Cape Fear Christian won its first round playoff volleyball game on Tuesday. On the front row, from left, are Coach Andrea Malthouse, Savannah Cain, Megan Harrold, Jada Johnson, Lily Kate Dupree and assistant coach Kamie Burns. On the back row are Karlee Edwards, Christianna Wynns, Hailey Wangelin, Savannah Autry, Larah Tripp, Kylie Kessler, Peyton Dunn, Ella Wilborn and assistant coach Falon Kessler. (Photo/John Dupree)

Cape Fear Christian Academy’s varsity girls volleyball team was 0-4 in five-set matches going into the first round of the NCISAA 1-A Tournament at home against Southeastern Christian of Shallotte on Tuesday.

The Eagles (9-11) bucked the trend with a 3-2 win over the Warriors (10-9)/

Set scores were 25-23, 24-26, 29-31, 25-16 and 15-12.

CFCA had a 13-6 lead in the last set that was narrowed to 14-12 before Savannah Autry, who sang the national anthem, hit a winner down the line on the left side.

“It was an effort by the whole team,” said CFCA coach Andrea Malthouse. “Hitters were much smarter with their placements. Setting and serving were much more consistent.

“The defensive specialists had great ball control and hustle that helped us run more offensive plays

“We kept our momentum going into the last game.”

The Eagles visit Pungo (11-10) for a match in the second round on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Senior libero Jada Johnson bumps the ball forward on Tuesday.
(Photo/John Dupree)

Karlee Edwards serves in a 3-2 win for the Eagles in the playoffs.
(Photo/John Dupree)

Lily Kate Dupree makes a return against Southeastern.
(Photo/John Dupree)

Ella Wilborn and the Eagles visit Pungo in the second round.
(Photo/John Dupree)