By Sedrick Bolton III October 19, 2022
JONESBORO After coming back two weeks without playing a match, Elite Scholars Academy defeats KIPP Atlanta Collegiate in three sets to advance to the second round of the 2022 GHSA 2A Volleyball State Tournament.
The first set belonged to the Lady Knights with a commanding 25-6 score. Junior Caziah McCray was vital in this set for Elite Scholars, making her presences felt in the front row. Everything from blocks, kills, or quick hits back to the Lady Warriors' side, McCray appeared to be everywhere on the court.
Despite trailing for the majority of the second set, KIPP never lacked motivation. With every point they scored, they erupted with cheer and uplifted one another. This helped them from being down 16-10 to a closer match with a 22-18 score.
Sophomore Jordyn Dennis of the Lady Warriors played a major role towards this run. An ace and kill gave her team the energy and morale to continue fighting. After that 6-8 run, and momentum building for KIPP, Elite Scholars called a timeout to regather themselves.
"Errors. When we make errors they make points," said Lady Knights' head coach Catherine Lawrence on what sparked KIPP's comeback. " It's single elimination so mentally they just had to prepare for that...I think they just locked in and made it work."
The Lady Knights came out the timeout and took the set 25-21 and halted a come-from-behind victory.
Elite Scholars won the third set 25-17 with the help of sophomore Emily Harden. Not only was she setting up her teammates for kills, she recorded kills herself by deceiving the Lady Warriors with fake sets.
With the conclusion of the first round, the Lady Knights set their sights to preparing for the second round.
"I think we just have to watch some film, make sure that we get all of our stuff together," said Coach Lawrence. "Blocks, you know, good passes and make less errors."
The Lady Knights will face Providence Christian Academy October 22.
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