Eagles open volleyball season with sweep at Halifax Academy

by Dunn Area Sports Staff | Aug 15, 2023 | Cape Fear Christian Academy

Bailey Dorman hits in CFCA’s season opening win at Halifax.
(Photo/John Dupree)

The Cape Fear Christian Academy varsity volleyball team completed a season opening sweep at Halifax Academy in Roanoke Rapids on Monday with a 3-0 victory by scores of 27-25, 25-18 and 25-20.

“The first set was close the whole way but CFCA fell behind towards the end,” said Eagles coach Lolita Tripp. “The girls settled down and battled. They never gave up and won, 27-25. Captain Madeline Brocious was not feeling well and Perri Caroline Ennis stepped in for her on the front row to dominate.”

Ella John Dupree had 12 kills for the Eagles and Bailey Dorman had 10. Larah Tripp had five blocks. Dorman, Dupree, Ennis and Tripp each had a pair of aces. Brocious and Lily Gotlibowski each had one ace.

“New addition Hailey Wangelin and Jada Johnson were crucial to each volley with solid passing on the back row,” Coach Tripp said. “Setter Lily Gotlibowski did a great job of utilizing all our hitters. It was a total team effort! I am thrilled at how these girls have already bonded and although it was our first game, they performed and behaved like they have been playing together for a long time.”

The CFCA varsity hosts Father Capodanno on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Junior Varsity

The CFCA JV won, 2-0 (25-11, 25-15).

“Communication made the difference for this match,” said Coach Tripp. “The girls came out and right away were very vocal. We have been focusing on being aggressive and going after the ball.

“I reminded the girls that no balls should drop unless somebody is on the floor going after it. We did a good job of that. We still have some rotational situations to correct, but I am excited for the rest of the season with these girls.”

Peyton Dunn had three kills for CFCA. Dunn and Savannah Autry had one block apiece. Dunn, Grace Viox and Megan Harrold each had two aces.

The Eagles JV returns to action on Thursday, August 24, at 5:30 p.m. at home against Raleigh Christian.

Middle School

The sweep began with a 2-0 (25-5, 25-11) win.

“The girls played great!” said Coach Falon Kessler. “They played so well together.”

Finley Phillips had 11 aces, Bristol Stephens had four aces and two assists, Callie Wilson had four aces with one kill, Olivia Thompson had two aces and one assist. Campbell Phillips had two assists. Mady Tyndall had one kill and two aces. Sailor Phillips had one kill and one ace.

The middle school Eagles play at St. Thomas More on Tuesday, August 22, at 4:30 p.m.