The past 2 seasons has seen an upward climb for the Northside Christian Academy volleyball team.

With each goal surpassed, the Lady Crusaders have moved a step closer towards reaching the ultimate prize - the school’s 1st ever SCISA state title. Last year saw them break through with the Region 2-2A title and reaching the Class 2A title match for the 1st time.

Fresh off winning a 2nd straight region title and going undefeated in SCISA play, Northside Christian Academy is back in the state volleyball tournament. The Lady Crusaders will open play Friday at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center looking to advance to Saturday’s final rounds.

“The expectation has grown,” Northside Christian Academy head coach and Region Coach of the Year Brian Elrod said. “So, we understand. We teach them ‘Hey, this is a different team. Last year’s team was great, but this is a new team. So, we have to

make our own name for ourselves’. But the belief and the expectation has been built. A lot of these expect to go far into the playoffs and they think they can do it.”

Despite graduating key players from last year’s state runner-up, Northside Christian set a school record for victories. The 20-5 record entering Tuesday’s regular-season finale versus Ben Lippen includes a 15-0 mark in SCISA play and a perfect region mark.

Among the key players for this year’s team are All-Region junior outside hitter Alexa Brownell, a 7-year veteran of the program. All-Region seniors setter Emily Colby and libero Kaitlyn Banks and All-Region middle back sophomore Reagan Funderburk have continued to play at a high level, Elrod said.

Senior transfers outside hitter and Region Player of the Year Lauren Reynolds and All-Region right side middle hitter/middle back Kaitlyn Koontz have also contributed to the team’s improved play. Elrod believes the Lady Crusaders are more “wellrounded” in attacking opponents and look to carry that over at the beach.

Foremost among the teams standing in the way of Northside Christian Academy is 5-time defending champion Spartanburg Christian. The Lady Warriors swept the Lady Crusaders at last year’s final in Spartanburg.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re around at the very end again,” Elrod said. “Are we a better team than last year? We’ll see. Last year’s team got better at the tournament, so hopefully, we are better.”

THURSDAY’S SC HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFF GAMES

Socastee at River Bluff

St. James at Lexington

Dutch Fork at Conway Chapin at Carolina Forest

Chapin at Carolina Forest

Loris/Georgetown at Gilbert

Brookland-Cayce at Waccamaw

Chesnee at Batesburg-Leesville

Region 7-2A (4th place) at Pelion

Airport at Region 7-4A (2th place)