LAFAYETTE — In a thrilling showdown on Thursday, September 3, Faith Christian's volleyball team showcased resilience and teamwork in a hard-fought 3-2 victory against South Newton. The match was not only a test of skill and determination but also a milestone moment for setter Kelsey Olehy, who achieved her 1,000th career assist during the contest.
Entering the match, Olehy needed just 49 assists to reach this impressive career milestone. She accomplished the feat in the fourth set, where the Eagles rallied from an 18-16 deficit to win 25-18. The pivotal moment came when Olehy delivered a perfectly placed set to junior Aubrey Cox, who executed a powerful kill, marking the milestone in dramatic fashion.
Following the match, Olehy was presented with a custom-made volleyball celebrating her achievement, which read "1,000 assists" stitched below her name. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as Olehy reached this mark in just three seasons, having spent her freshman year on the junior varsity team.
Head coach Josh Hill praised Olehy's achievement, stating, "It's a huge accomplishment. She only played three rotations last year, so the kid is very productive, and to get to 1,000 the way she did was pretty fantastic." Olehy, however, was quick to credit her teammates for their contributions, highlighting the importance of teamwork in achieving such milestones. "I’ve been working really hard for the past three years, and I owe it all to my teammates because they put the ball away for me," she said. "I love this group of girls. This season especially has brought such good team chemistry. We all truly love each other, and that’s why we can put it together."
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Faith Christian initially took control by winning the first set 25-16. However, South Newton responded strongly, winning the next two sets 25-22 and 25-21. The Rebels showcased their defensive prowess, with junior Jada Cripe making significant contributions at the net, including a crucial block that capped off the second set. South Newton's juniors Ivy Ramirez and Brooklynn Reed also played a vital role in the third set, helping to extend their lead.
Despite the setbacks, Faith Christian demonstrated their fighting spirit. After losing the second and third sets, they regrouped and won the final two sets to secure the victory. Olehy reflected on the challenge of the match, saying, "It was pretty rough. We played another five-setter on Monday. I think we just pushed through all the way to the end, and we did not give up. We just kept fighting, kept the pressure on the other side."
The rivalry between Faith Christian and South Newton has been intense in recent years, with the teams meeting in their last two semi-state appearances, both won by the Eagles. This match served not only as a test of skill but also as a potential preview of future playoff matchups. Faith Christian's recent success has propelled them from Class 1A to 2A, presenting new challenges as they strive for another state title. Meanwhile, South Newton remains in 1A and is looking to advance further than in previous years.
Hill acknowledged the competitive nature of the rivalry, stating, "They always are (tough). It’s a battle every time we play them. It doesn’t matter whether it’s regular season or postseason; it’s a huge conference rivalry and has been for years. South Newton’s always going to play tough." With this victory, Faith Christian improves their record to 6-5, a reflection of their challenging schedule this season. Olehy believes this win will bolster their confidence as they navigate the remainder of the regular season. "Anytime you have a win like this in five sets, it’s always a huge deal," Hill added, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the tougher competition ahead.
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