LADY CRUSADERS IMPROVE TO 3-0 AFTER DEFEATING PROVIDENCE GRIFFINS

By Megan Steimer

ELKTON, MD - The Tri-State Christian Academy Crusaders hosted the Providence Griffins in Mid-Atlantic Independent League action last Tuesday. The Crusaders (3-0) came away with a 3-0 win, defeating the Griffins (1-2) 25-6, 25-12, 25-22 for their third straight win of the season. Early in game one, both teams exchanged kills at the net, yet the Crusaders controlled most of the offense while a scrappy Griffins defense held off attacks. Crusaders’ Hope Pfadt found success early, recording three kills in game one before ending her night early due to injury. Playing an unfamiliar lineup without two key players and an injury to a third, Tri-State managed to dominate game one. “I thought that we played well considering the mid-game mishap with Hope getting hurt. It kind of messed us up in the head at the beginning, but we got over it and started playing well” Tri-State captain Baylie Thomas said.

Perhaps all the lineup changes snuck up on the Crusaders as a series of errors plagued the team to start game two. Providence capitalized by mixing things up offensively and taking some swings in the back, including a backrow kill from Neveah Sanchez to give her team an early 4-2 lead. Tri-State was able to dig themselves out of the deficit with backto-back aces from Emma Kellum, forcing Providence to take a timeout while trailing 6-12. Thomas put a few points on the board to give the Crusaders a 22-12 lead before Savannah Henry stepped up to the service line, recording two aces to close out game two 2512. Henry dished out 5 assists for the evening as she filled a need at the setter position for her team. “I think overall, our team did really well working together. Some of us had to play different positions and it shows just because one person is out, doesn’t mean we can’t win” Henry noted.

A Mackenzie Unruh kill gave the Griffins some early momentum to start game three. Mistakes in serve receive for the Crusaders kept the game close as Sanchez served two aces to give Providence a 15-14 lead. Tri-State head coach Andy Mussaw decided to call a timeout and let his team regroup, “We had girls out there playing two different positions who don’t typically start, and we had one practice to put this whole thing together” Mussaw noted. The pause in play seemed to help his team regroup as the Crusaders bounced back to take a 2017 lead. Despite the Griffins best efforts, passing errors ultimately ended their comeback, losing a close game three 22-25. “I think the next time we play, we need to come in with a little more passion,” thought Griffins’ setter Amy Rash, “we had good defense today, getting to the balls and everything, but this is a hard loss. I think we’ll be more prepared next time we play them.” Rash finished the evening with ten digs, one ace, and three assists while Sanchez led the team offensively with four kills, three aces, and nine digs. Unruh led the defense with 14 digs to go with her two kills and three assists. For the Crusaders, Thomas led the offense with nine kills, 13 digs, and two aces while setters Henry and Abigail Slagle dished out five and 12 assists respectively.

TRI-STATE CRUSADERS vs PROVIDENCE GRIFFINS MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

By Megan Steimer

The Tri-State Christian Academy Crusaders hosted the Providence Griffins in middle school volleyball action this past Tuesday. The Crusaders defeated the Griffins 25-12, 25-10 to start their season 2-0. The Crusaders shined at the service line, showcasing how well they could serve the ball. The Griffins were able to capitalize on some service points of their own, including an ace from Gracie Hill. Kyla Guthrie made some great sets for the Crusaders while Bella Chaffee recorded a couple of kills at the net during game two.

With the score reading 24-9, Ashlynn Reeder returned a serve to keep Providence alive and give them some momentum. After a lengthy volley between the two teams, Tri-State was able to capture the last point and win the game. Both teams will travel to compete against Tome in the coming days as Providence faces off against them on September 20th while Tri-State plays the Titans September 23rd, making these two games excellent intercounty matches to watch for.