Teamwork propels Faith Christian to VB win over Wheaton Christian

Faith Christian Academy dug deep and calmly rallied from a 7-point deficit to win the first set, then romped to a decisive third-set victory as the JV Falcons soared past Wheaton Christian's 7th-grade boys volleyball squad 25-23, 15-25, 15-6 Thursday at FCA. Terrific teamwork, Falcons!

Playing a lineup of two fifth-grade players and four sixth-graders against the Warriors' all-7th-grade squad, Faith overcame a 10-3 deficit in the first set, displaying toughness and tenacity in rallying behind contributions from several players, including Bryce Riner, who calmly delivered back-to-back aces to turn a 23-23 tie into a 25-23 FCA victory that thrilled Faith's fans. Bryce has made excellent progress in his serving in just a few short weeks -- clutch performance, Cannon!

FCA fell behind by 13 in the second set before making a game effort to come back until Wheaton held on for the win. But the Falcons played loose, confident, aggressive volleyball in the final set and did a great job of communicating, working together, hustling, staying focused each point and encouraging and being ready to help each other. Ethan Hansen sparked Faith to a 7-0 lead behind 7-for-7 serving with an ace and five service winners, and Cole Schulze went 5 for 5 with an ace and two service winners. Osten Lockner finished off the match with a jump kill off a set from Cole. Congratulations, Falcons!

Cole earned the hustle award for a strong all-around performance as a server, setter (3 assists and several rescue plays), blocker (numerous blocks and tips) and passer (3 passes to setter). Josiah Gartner and Bryce shared the best attitude award for calling decisively for the ball, making several big passes to keep rallies alive, keeping a positive attitude and staying mentally sharp and in the match. Osten (12 passes to setter, 4 for 4 serving, 4 kills), Ben Riner (6 for 6 serving) and Ethan Hansen (4 assists, 13 for 13 serving, 6 passes to setter) also shone on the court for FCA

The varsity Falcons used solid serving to keep within striking distance of Wheaton Christian's 8th-grade squad before the Warriors prevailed 25-17, 25-18 in the opener. Nicki Smith (8 for 8, 1 ace, 1 service winner), Jessica Smith (6 for 6, 4 service winners), Mackenzie VanDerSnick (2 for 2) and Rachel Wiedman (2 for 2, 1 service winner) delivered flawless serving performances, while Paige Petty (3 for 4, 1 service winner) and Osten Lockner (7 for 9, 3 service winners) also scored key serving points for the Falcons.

Jessica earned the hustle award with 6 for 6 serving, 3 assists, 8 passes to setter and several rescue plays near the net. Ben Riner won the best attitude award with a team-high 15 passes to setter and numerous hustle plays on the floor and as a blocker and spiker/tipper at the net.

Next up for the Falcons is a doubleheader at St. Thomas More School in Elgin on Monday. FCA plays St. Thomas More's eighth-grade squad at 5 p.m. followed by their sixth-grade team at 6 p.m.