In a clash for Newman Road bragging rights, College Heights Christian defeated Thomas Jefferson Independent 3-0 in prep volleyball action on Monday night.
The Cougars topped the Cavaliers 25-20, 25-14, 25-15.
It’s been a busy stretch for College Heights, who improved to 13-1.
“I thought we were moving a little slower than normal tonight,” College Heights coach Mary Colin said. “We were in quarantine for two weeks and once we came back, we played Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and then we played several matches on Saturday. I think we’re still a little fatigued. We need to play, but it’s been a lot for them. I think they’re tired. They didn’t have as much spring in their step tonight.”
Senior Lainey Lett led the Cougars’ attack at the net with 13 kills, while classmate Catie Secker did a little bit of everything, compiling 24 digs, 17 service points with seven aces and seven kills,
CHC’s Kaynahn Burk added 13 digs, while Avery Good had 12 digs. Burk and Good are also seniors.
Freshman Alexis Stamps had seven kills for the Cavaliers. Senior Laynie Solum contributed four aces and two kills, while classmate Sonia Carlson had three aces, one kill and one block.
Also for the Cavs, sophomore Nico Carlson had two aces, two blocks and a kill, while fellow sophomore Yasmina Mokhtar served two aces.
The Cavaliers are now 8-11.
“We just faced a really good opponent,” Cavaliers coach Dave Soetaert said. “They’ve got a lot of veteran players and they’re always very competitive. They’ve got a very good program. They’ve got that tradition and we’re building our tradition back up to where it was in the past. I thought we showed flashes of some growth. We worked hard. I’m pleased with the effort.”
After taking the first two sets, the Cougars took a 6-1 lead in the third set when the Cavaliers rallied, cutting CHC’s lead to 12-10.
But the Cougars regrouped and finished strong, scoring 13 of the next 18 points to end the night.
“We didn’t quit,” Soetaert said. “We battled and we made them earn their points. We made some mistakes, but we wanted to play aggressive and fight for every point.”
In his second year at the helm, Soetaert said his squad continues to make progress.
“We’ve improved all season and the girls all support each other,” Soetaert said. “That’s what I really like. And I’m very pleased with the production we’re getting. We’re competitive, we’ve won eight times. We only won nine last year. Our JV girls are doing well and our junior high programs did well, so we’re hoping to keep building the program. And we’re having a good time. I’m really enjoying working with these kids.”
CHC THIRD AT EL DORADO TOURNEY
The Cougars took third place at the El Dorado Springs Tournament this past Saturday.
Nevada defeated College Heights in the semifinals. It was the team’s first loss of the season. The Cougars then bounced back and beat Springfield Central for third place.
El Dorado Springs beat Nevada in the championship match.
DISTRICT UPDATE
College Heights, Thomas Jefferson and McAuley Catholic will compete in Class 1 District 8 with Exeter, Verona and Wheaton.
The Cougars had been in Class 2 for several years.
“There’s definitely still work to do before districts,” Colin said. “They’re a very powerful team and they are really talented and they love to play volleyball. So I’m just pushing them to be their best. They’re really a great group of kids, so I want to get the best out of them.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, as College Heights hosts Purdy, while Thomas Jefferson travels to Bronaugh.
