The NCA Crusaders marched through the Upper Bracket without losing a set. Sweeping all five matches including two matches against the Harks of Greenwood Christian School. The Hawks gave NCA fits in the first meeting on Friday, but the Crusaders got out to a quick lead in the first set of the Brackett Championship Saturday and held on for a 25-17 win.
The second set belonged to the Crusaders from start to finish as they dominated early with a 14-4 lead. Coach Elrod began to sub as the Crusaders finished off the Harks 25-15.
Throughout the tournament, the Crusaders demonstrated effective serves led by libero and All Region player Kaitlyn Banks who had several runs in most of the sets. Setter Emily Colby delivered set after set to the Crusaders assembly of powerful attackers. Most effective of the hitters was Senior Region II Player of the year, Lauren Reynolds. Junior All Region player Alexa Brownell was second in kills for NCA. From the MH position, All Region players, Senior Kailyn Koontz and Sophomore Reagan Funderburk benefitted from the Colby sets to contribute kills at the net. Funderburk and Koontz gained points with block kills in every set. Coming off the bench during the tournament to contribute both with serves and on defense was freshman Hadley Lindner. Senior Eleanor Fitz had one of her best matches in the championship delivering a block kill and an attack kill.
Player of the Tournament: Lauren Reynolds.
The Crusaders play for the AA State Championship this coming Tuesday night against Spartanburg Christian Academy Crusaders at a site yet to be determined.