Twice as nice: Trinity Christian repeats as GISA volleyball champs
From STAFF REPORTSsports@newnan.com
AUGUSTA — Undefeated all year against in-state opponents, Trinity Christian played near-perfect volleyball over two days to repeat as GISA Class AAA state champions on Saturday here at Augusta Prep.
The Lady Lions capped off a 37-3 season in 2012 with a third consecutive sweep to finish last weekend’s Elite 8 tournament, defeating Calvary 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 in the state finals for the second straight year.
Saturday’s championship match featured a team-high nine kills from Alex Huber and eight kills and eight digs in a well-rounded effort from senior Ashton Bigler. Senior Elissa Waldrop had six kills and six aces to lead Trinity Christian's service game.
Other standout efforts included 16 digs from senior Rachel Lyons and 21 assists from senior setter Micayla Patterson.
The Lady Lions began the 2012 season with four All-State returners in the starting lineup. Three years ago, however, the program finished 3-21 and in last place in Region 3 in what has been a remarkable turnaround effort.
On Friday, Bigler posted a team-high 14 kills in the win over Weber and six against Holy Spirit. Huber split 12 kills between the two matches while Waldrop had eight against Weber and five in the opener against Holy Spirit.
Patterson combined for 40 assists including 28 in the semifinal match against Weber. Lyons led the defensive effort against Holy Spirit with six digs.
