Crusaders open season with straight-set win

After losing its first seven volleyball matches last season, Columbus Christian is off to a flying start in 2024.

The Crusaders had little trouble Tuesday night in rolling to a 25-7, 25-7, 25-5 victory against Fortune Academy.

“To start off our season with a home win is a really big thing for us,” Columbus Christian coach Savannah Spurgeon said. “It’s all to build momentum and hopefully have more wins this season. It’s always better to build when you start with a win.”

The Crusaders, who had lost a pair of preseason matches on Saturday, were in complete control on Tuesday. They never trailed in any of the three sets.

“I thought they played well,” Spurgeon said. “When you have such different levels on the court, it’s hard to keep your energy up, but I thought they did well with keeping energy. I started working on zone serving tonight with them, and they did pretty well with learning and working on zone serving. That’s kind of new to them.”

Emma Murray

Emma Murray pounded five kills, Abby Dora recorded five assists and Mara Nickerson served 16 aces to lead Columbus Christian. Emma Sewell and Yanna Foster each tallied two kills, Nickerson had three assists, Emma Murray notched eight kills and Dora and Madyson Murray each added five kills.

Mara Nickerson

“It was pretty fun winning,” Nickerson said. “We worked together really good tonight. We had good attitudes, and we weren’t down. I think it boosted our confidence, and we’ll have more confidence in the games to come.”

“This game was more about good communication, just because the (other) team wasn’t necessarily up to our level,” Emma Murray added. “But we made sure to play our game. I think that we’ve grown so much over the summer, and our team has just improved overall, so I think the season is looking good for us.”

The Crusaders have another home game on Thursday against Suburban Christian.