ACA volleyball and cross country win conference titles
The Asheville Christian Academy Lions fall sports teams rounded out another phenomenal regular season, taking home two conference titles last week in the process.
The CAA volleyball tournament was held on campus Friday at Asheville Christian Academy. ACA entered the tournament as the number 1 seed. The Lions drew Rabun Gap in the tournaments first semifinal contest and dispatched them in routine fashion (25-4, 25-9, 25-10). Sophomore Kate Condra led the Lions with 11 kills. Chloe Davis and Emma Newton ended the match with 6 kills each. Sarah Buchanan had 36 assists.
In the other semifinal contest, Asheville School took Carolina Day in three games, setting up the final between the league’s regular season co-champs. ACA got off to a strong start behind Kate Condra’s heavy hitting, taking the opening game 25-18. Asheville School responded in the second game, finding its rhythm and taking the frame 25-16.
In the pivotal third game, the Lions relied on the hitting of Rachel Sulaski, who consistently powered the ball around Asheville School blockers. The Lions took the third game 25-22. ACA closed out the match in the fourth game, finishing off Asheville school 25-17 and securing yet another conference tournament championship.
ACA starters Kate Condra, Bethany Sikkink and Rachel Sulaski were each named to the all conference team. ACA finished its regular season with a 17-10 overall record.
The Lions secured the number 3 seed in the upcoming NCISAA tournament. They will start their quest for a second straight state title Friday, Oct. 30 at Gaston Day School.
Cross country
The girls cross country team was also in championship form last week, securing the CAA title on the course at Christ School. In an extremely tight race, ACA bested Carolina Day by just two points. ACA’s Rachel Lanter finished third overall with a time of 21:26:12. Julia Williams came in sixth (21:48:24), and Tristi Townsend finished seventh (21:57:50). All three girls were named to the all-conference team.
The boys team raced well, finishing third. Reece Collie was the only boy named to the all-conference team.