VOLLEYBALL
Crusaders make top 10
DAYTON, Tennessee — Columbus Christian, playing in the Division I (top) bracket for the first time in school history, came away with a top-10 finish after going 7-1 in this week’s National Association of Christian Athletes Tournament.
The Crusaders, who went 3-0 on Wednesday and again on Thursday to make the D-I tourney, fell to Calumet Christian 25-23, 27-25 in the first round on Friday. Calumet Christian had beaten Columbus Christian twice earlier this season, including in the ICSAA state final.
"We made a couple of adjustments and matched up with them better," Columbus Christian coach Sarah Stair said. "To be barely knocked out by them, it was a little frustrating. But my girls played fantastic against them. I could not have asked for more. It’s been a dream season."
The Crusaders (28-5) bounced back with a 25-18, 25-21 win against Grace Christian (Kankakee, Illinois) in the consolation round.
Lauren Hunnicutt pounded 18 kills and three blocks, and Hannah Stair recorded 31 assists and five aces in the two Friday matches to lead Columbus Christian. Kayla Jones tallied 15 digs.
Also for the Crusaders, Madison Henderson notched 12 kills, 12 digs and one ace; Ellie Ridder had six kills and five digs and Emily Stair added one kill, five assists, eight digs and three aces. AnnMarie Gandy pounded six kills, Hannah Stair had nine digs and Hunnicutt added three digs, two aces.
Meanwhile, in the Division IV Tournament, the Columbus Hawks beat Grace Christian (Florida) 25-18, 25-17 in the opening round before falling to Rhea County (Tennessee) 25-18, 25-18 in the quarterfinals.
Lila Hudson pounded 11 kills and two blocks, and Sarah Lorimor had 19 digs and six aces to lead the Hawks (7-29-3), while McKiah Shearer recorded 19 assists, and Elisabeth White tallied 19 digs. White also notched five kills and a block, Lorimor added 10 assists and Hudson served five aces.
FOOTBALL
Eagles rout Chargers
PETERSBURG — Brown County won its first sectional game since 2013, a 53-21 victory at Pike Central in the first round of Class 3A Sectional 30.
"We threw the ball exceptionally well," Brown County coach Randy Minniear said. "We ran the ball well. I thought we played very well offensively and defensively. I was very pleased."
The Eagles (5-5) advance to the sectional semifinals, where they will host Vincennes Lincoln on Friday. The Alices (6-4) beat Sullivan 21-20 on a touchdown pass and extra point with no time remaining.
Artesians oust Panthers
MARTINSVILLE — Martinsville jumped out to a 42-0 halftime lead and went on to hand Jennings County a 42-7 defeat in the first round of Class 4A Sectional 23.
The lone score for the Panthers (3-7) came on a 4-yard run in the third quarter by Owen Miller and an extra point by Jaydan Vanosdol. Miller finished with 63 yards rushing on 15 carries.
Jennings’ Lance Bailey completed 10 of 21 passes for 82 yards. Jared Corya caught four passes for 53 yards.
Tri tops South Decatur
STRAUGHN — South Decatur’s season came to an end with a 42-12 loss at Tri in the first round of Class A Sectional 47.
The Cougars finish the season 4-6.
