Calvary Christian’s historic season ends

With the hopes of winning the program’s first state title, the Calvary Christian girls volleyball team came up short during the 4A state finals, losing to Alachua Sante Fe in three sets, 16-25, 17-25 and 14-25, on Wednesday at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers.

Despite the loss, the Eagles (26-5) achieved new heights this season, playing in their first state championship and advancing past the regional finals for the first time in school history.

Calvary Christian’s road to the finals featured the Eagles defeating Gulliver Prep in the regional quarterfinals, Pine Crest in the regional semifinals, Cardinal Gibbons in the regional finals and Bishop Moore in the state semifinals.

“As we played, we started off pretty decent,” Calvary Christian coach Sam Skelton said. “But, I think, it was more the lack of experience being there and pushing. At the end, I told the girls how proud I am of them, how successful they were. Even though this wasn’t a win, you can look at all the teams that were wishing they could be here. This was a milestone for them. They made school history.”

Senior Taylor Bates led the Eagles with nine kills, while also tallying three digs. Bates, who is committed to Liberty University, paced the Eagles throughout the season, placing first on the team in kills (435) and serving aces (63).

“I think we started out up. We had a lot of energy and intensity. We were playing very well in the beginning,” Bates said. “I think we just got a little bit comfortable. They are a very good team and they’re a team you can’t just get comfortable against.”

Along with Bates, senior Jenna Keller also contributed with 11 digs and one service ace, while junior Emily Navarro compiled 22 assists, two digs and one kill.

Keller, who is committed to Arkansas Tech, led the Eagles in digs (387) this season and also recorded 78 assists and 36 serving aces. Navarro racked up a teamhigh 873 assists along with 176 digs, 81 kills and 56 serving aces.

“It was a great season,” Keller said. “It wasn’t what we were expecting at all...I think we didn’t really realize that last year was somewhat of our building and connection year that we got with our new setter Emily [Navarro]. I think it ended up benefitting us a lot this year from last year. Once we had our first few games, we felt we can go all the way.”

Winning its first state title, Alachua Sante Fe (29-3) was led by juniors Jalyn Stout and Miya Thomas.

Stout placed first on the team in kills with 18, while also chalking up 10 assists, three digs and one service ace. Leading the Raiders’ defense, Thomas finished with 16 digs.