Harvest Christian finds itself in a familiar position after capturing its third straight Class 1A sectional title on Thursday night.
The host Lions routed St. Francis de Sales 25-7, 25-8 to advance to Saturday’s supersectional at Westminster Christian, where they will face Keith Country Day.
Keith is the defending 1A state champion and knocked off Harvest Christian in the supersectionals last year. The Lions were also eliminated in the supersectionals two years ago
“This feels great,” Harvest Christian coach Kim Floyd said. “The girls have done a great job throughout the season. I am very honored to be able to coach this team.”
Floyd is confident this years trip to the supersectional will be different.
“We definitely have more ammunition,” Floyd. “We are just a more balanced team. Having been this far already there is really not as much pressure on us.”
Harvest Christian (28-11) dominated the Lady Pioneers at the net with a 29-3 kills advantage. Sydney Doby led the Lions’ attack with a team-high 16 kills. Doby kept things in perspective afterward.
“We are going to enjoy this win,” Doby said. “But we are looking at this as part of the big picture and we just want this to be a step toward going to state. I think we are more prepared this year both mentally and physically. We have four tremendous coaches who pour their lives into this to get us ready.”
Chloe Corbett got the Harvest Christian off to a fast start with nine straight service points, including four aces, to open the match. Corbett also had five kills.
“We are just ecstatic,” Corbett said. “Right now we have our eyes on the supersectional. I feel if we can continue to pull together as a team we can do it this year.”
Mikayla Robinson added five kills for the Lions. Setter Jade Martinez had 29 assists and Shayna Manusos had 16 service points and a team-high 10 digs.
St. Francis de Sales was making its first-ever appearance in a sectional championship game and finished the season 15-6.
“We made it to the Sweet Sixteen and that is quite an accomplishment,” St. Francis de Sales coach Arlene Ramos said. “I am proud of these girls for making school history.”
