Christian Academy falls just short in pursuit of volleyball title

A title for Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach (CAMB) was so close it could taste it.

Just as the Saints seemed to primed to take a glorious sip, however, Spartanburg Christian was able to snatch the cup and take it as its own.

A rally by the Warriors allowed them to dig out of a two-game hole, taking the SCISA Class 2A volleyball title match in five games, 3-2 (15-25, 21-25, 25-10, 25-18, 15-9).

“It’s a tough way to go out, for sure,” said Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach volleyball coach Randy Haldi. “Certainly, we’re disappointed, especially with how we were about to jump out in front of them. But I’m proud of our team and the season we had.

Despite being dwarfed in size by Spartanburg Christian, the aggressiveness of the Saints was key in them winning the first two games.

“Everyone was covering the floor well, and working together,” Haldi said. “One of the big things was that we were able to keep it away from their top player, instead hammering away at their weaker side.”

Things started to change in the third frame, though, the Warriors presence at the net — right side and middle hitter Peyton Thompson — began making her presence felt. According to the Christian Academy coach, it all began with Spartanburg Christian’s serve.

“They put some serves together and forced us into some bad passes,” Haldi said. “Instead of playing aggressive, we began being a tad defensive. They were able to take advantage of that, building momentum … and once the wheels came off, we weren’t able to get back to playing like we were the first two sets.

“Once they got (Thompson) going, she was unstoppable.”

While certainly disappointed his team was unable to come away with a state title, Haldi said there is plenty to look forward to in regard to the Saints volleyball program.

In addition to a 17-4 record this season and a SCISA Region I-2A title, it was achieved with a young core that got better as the season progressed. Also promising is more help is on the way, as the CAMB junior varsity program showed flashes of what it was capable of.

“We had five seniors this year, and three of them were starters. So you could say we’re looking forward to the next few years,” Haldi said. “There are good expectations, especially with the great base we have. Our junior varsity team was undefeated, beating teams like Socastee and St. James petty easily. So I’m eager to see what’s next for us.”

This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 10:28 PM with the headline "Christian Academy falls just short in pursuit of volleyball title."