Cape Fear Christian Academy hosted semifinal matches in soccer and volleyball in Mid-Carolina 1-A Conference tournaments on Thursday.

The Eagles used a 4-goal flurry in the second half for a 5-0 win over Lee Christian in soccer before turning back Crossroads Christian, 3-0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-5), in volleyball.

CFCA visits Crossroads in the MCC soccer championship today (Friday, October 14) at 4:30 p.m. and the Eagles host Lee Christian in the volleyball final tonight at 7 p.m.

Soccer

Tripp Selph had two goals for CFCA (5-6-1). Caden Scarborough, Jackson Breslin and Will Hobbs scored one goal each. Scarborough and Selph each had two assists.

Jackson Bolton was in goal for the shutout.

“Having to play Lee Christian for a third time in a row was a daunting proposition,” said CFCA coach Michael Breslin. “Considering the first two matches were both hard-fought, one-goal victories, I was a little concerned coming into the match.

“Before kickoff, I emphasized the need for us to play 80 minutes of disciplined soccer, not committing unnecessary fouls — especially in the defensive third of the field.We talked about the importance of teamwork and communication. With that, we took the field and played some truly wonderful soccer.

“Most of the first half was played in the opponent’s half of the field, with several opportunities for us to score. Each time, though, we fell just a little short — but I could see we were doing everything right and told the players to keep going and the goals would come. Caden Scarborough intercepted a ball and scored an unassisted goal 37 minutes into the first half and we took the 1-0 lead into the half.

The second half started much like the first — a lot of the play was in the opponent’s half and our scoring chances were just off. In the 60th minute, things changed with some really selfless playing by Jackson Breslin and Tripp Selph.

“Jackson picked up the ball at the edge of the attacking third of the field and rather than shooting, he passed to Tripp. I expected Tripp to shoot, even though from my vantage point I didn’t think he had the angle. At that point, Tripp sent a great pass back to Jackson who had continued his run and he slotted the ball past the keeper.

“Those few seconds of play were about as good as it gets in high school soccer. Both of those kids were on the same page. I didn’t coach that. It was just two talented players doing what comes natural.

“After that goal, you could feel a change. We took it to another level and continued to score three more goals in the next 10 minutes. In the 65th minute, Tripp scored, assisted by Caden Scarborough, followed about a minute later by a goal from Will Hobbs, assisted by Tripp Selph. Shortly after that, Tripp scored our fifth goal of the match with an assist from Caden.

“I have seven seniors on this team. Most of them have been with me since they were in sixth grade. Yesterday’s match was the culmination of those kids putting in a great deal of work. That effort, coupled with the addition of some really talented underclassmen, allowed us to play the best game I’ve seen as a coach at Cape Fear. I’m incredibly proud of those young men.”

Volleyball

The Eagles trailed 23-18 before coming back in the first set on Thursday.

Bailey Dorman and Abby Hobbs each had nine kills for CFCA. Madeline Brocious had six kills and Meredith Taylor had four.

Hobbs and Taylor each had five service aces. Aslan Parrish had three.

Larah Tripp had three blocks.

Hobbs registered 47 assists. Rhyleigh Horne made 15 digs, Parrish made 11 and Dorman made nine.

“The depth of this team and the drive continues to amaze me,” said Eagles coach Paul Hobbs. “They have learned that they are the only ones who can hold them back from success.”