Falcons shine in VB sweep of Thompson, reach 30-win mark

Solid serving, accurate passing, timely spikes and tips and reliable net play were the formula Faith Christian Academy used to beat Thompson Middle School 25-11, 25-12 in 8th-grade volleyball action and 25-9, 25-9 in 7th-grade play on Thursday at FCA. Strong team effort, Falcons!

The victories improved Faith's season record to 30-6. The Falcons are 17-4 in varsity matches and 13-2 in JV action. FCA is now within five wins of the volleyball program's single-season wins record of 35 set in 2011.

The varsity Falcons built a 10-2 lead behind 9-for-9 serving by Nicki Smith en route to a convincing first-set victory. FCA delivered 29 passes to setter and registered 13 kills and eight assists in a terrific all-around set. Anneliese Lockner led FCA with a whopping 12 passes to setter and 5 kills in the opening set, and Lauren Caprini added 9 passes to setter and 4 kills. Ally Will returned to the lineup after a wrist injury and added 5 passes to setter and 2 kills. Jessica Smith set up spikers with 5 assists, and Nicki added 3 assists.

Faith then recorded 26 three-contact series on its way to a second-set win. Gigi Crescenzo paced FCA with 2 kills, a dig and 9 passes to setter. Anneliese earned the hustle award and Lauren and Ally shared the best attitude award.

The JV Falcons rode standout serving and passing to a quick win in the opener. Corrin Schulze sparked FCA with 11-for-11 serving, two tip kills and three assists. She had plenty of help in a great team effort. Liz Watson went 5 for 6 serving and delivered three kills and three passes to setter. Jess Chiaro had two kills and a team-best 9 passes to setter, and Gigi registered 4 assists. Jessica Kohlmeyer and Mackenzie VanDerSnick added 4 and 3 passes to setter, respectively, as the Falcons delivered a season-high 22 passes to setter in the opening set along with 26 three-contact series.

Corrin served great in set two as well, going 15 for 16 in one long rotation that propelled Faith to a 20-3 second-set lead. Corrin earned the best attitude award with Liz and Jess while Mack won the hustle award.

The Falcons practice on Monday and Tuesday before visiting Wheaton Christian's 7th- and 8th-grade squads on Thursday.