Stellar serving, team play sends Falcons past Rotolo for 20th win

Faith Christian Academy's varsity volleyball squad delivered a solid all-around team performance Tuesday en route to a 25-7, 25-7 victory over Rotolo, while the junior varsity Falcons bounced back from a set two loss with standout serving in a 25-11, 23-25, 15-1 win in the seventh-grade match.
 
The varsity squad is now 12-3, the JV team remains unbeaten at 8-0, and FCA improved to 20-3 overall on the season. Well done, Falcons!

The varsity jumped ahead quickly in both sets and kept the pressure on Rotolo throughout the match. Faith put Rotolo on its heels with 22 for 25 serving, two aces and 14 service winners in set one and 22 for 24 serving in set two. The Falcons also did a great job of covering the court and moving decisively to the ball, delivering 25 passes to setter in a short match, leading to 15 kills off 13 assists in an efficient performance by the team. Excellent job of continuing to play at a high level against an overmatched opponent and refusing to play down to the competition. That's one sign of a terrific, focused, motivated team that loves volleyball and pushes itself to keep learning and growing and getting better. And they're doing it while playing a fun, hustling, smart, aggressive style.

Ally Will earned the best attitude award, while Anna Verhage and Lauren Caprini won the hustle award.

The seventh-grade Falcons used 12 for 12 serving with two aces and five service winners from Mackenzie VanDerSnick and 6 for 7 serving with an ace and five service winners by Liz Watson to build an 18-2 first set lead. FCA struggled with its passing and movement to the ball in the second set before rebounding with a convincing third set victory. Jessica Chiaro propelled Faith to a 10-0 lead behind 11-for-11 serving, bombing in two aces and eight service winners to firmly regain control of the match in FCA's favor. Mackenzie clinched the match with 4 for 4 serving and three service winners. Truly outstanding, machine-like serving consistency, Jess and Mack! Great focus -- well done!

Liz earned the hustle award, and Corrin Schulze and Paige Petty won the best attitude award.

The seventh, sixth and fourth grades practice till 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, while the entire squad practices till 5:15 Thursday. The seventh grade is gearing up for a matchup with Geneva South's seventh-grade A team Oct. 8, and the varsity is preparing for the Aurora Central Catholic eighth-grade tournament Friday and Sunday.