The Oklahoman

CHA uses big runs late to beat Southwest Covenant

- By Cameron Jourdan Staff writer cjourdan@oklahoman.com

CHOCTAW — Runs are pivotal during volleyball matches.

Halfway through the third set, it seemed as if Southwest Covenant had all of the momentum. The Patriots had dominated during the second set to tie the match, but it looked primed to win another.

Then Christian Heritage went on i ts run, something it has done plenty of time in recent years during its streak of making it to give consecutiv­e championsh­ip matches. The No. 4 Crusaders dominated in the latter parts of the third and fourth sets to knock off No. 5 Southwest Covenant, 3- 1 , on Friday at Choctaw High School in the quarterfin­als of the Class 4A volleyball state tournament.

“Runs make a bi g deal, ” CHA coach Heath Kufahl said. “When you can win five or six straight points, you've got a great chance at winning the match.”

Last season was the first time in five years that CHA didn't win a state title.

Lindsey Baird, the Crusaders' libero and a fouryears tarter, said Friday' s raucous crowd was fun to play in front of. She's hoping the crowd turns out again Saturday.

“I love it ,” Baird said. “Hopefully they keep doing that.”

OCS beats Bethany in four sets

After as low start, No .2 Oklahoma Christian school rolled, beating Bethany in four sets.

In the first set, Bethany capitalize­d on OCS's mistakes, rolling to a 25-19 victory. But shortly after, the Saints were able to take over with strong rallies and powerful attacks.

O CS will face Lincoln Christian at 2:15 p.m. Saturday at Shawnee High School. The winner advances to the state finals match, which is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Regent Prep rolls Summit Christian

Regent Prep showed why it's the top-ranked team in Class 4A.

It rolled through its quarterfin­al matchup against Summit Christian, winning in three sets. The Rams captured the final two sets big, winning each, 25-13.

They used a combinatio­n of great passing, smart serving and powerful kills to dominate.

Regent Prep faces a tough task come Saturday, when it battles CHA at 12:30 p.m. at Shawnee High School in the semifinals. CHA has been in the state finals each of the past five seasons while Regent Prep won the Class 3A title last season.

Lincoln Christian sweeps Crossings Christian

No .3 Lincoln Christian looked strong, not allowing Crossing s to garner more than 17 points in a set. It was strong serving the ball and accumulate­d multiple blocks throughout the match, as well.

The Bulldogs face OCS in the semifinals.

 ?? [NATE BILLINGS/ THE OKLAHOMAN] ?? Christian Heritage's Lexie Davis (18) hits the ball as Southwest Covenant's Emma Riggs (21) defends during a Class 4A state quarterfin­al Friday in Choctaw.
[NATE BILLINGS/ THE OKLAHOMAN] Christian Heritage's Lexie Davis (18) hits the ball as Southwest Covenant's Emma Riggs (21) defends during a Class 4A state quarterfin­al Friday in Choctaw.

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