CFNN Reporter Larkin Baxley

Some say lightning doesn’t strike the same spot twice. That may be true, but the Cape Fear Volleyball team struck twice in one week, winning the conference tournament for the second year in a row, and taking down rival powerhouse Gray’s Creek in back to back matches to win a share of the regular season title and a tournament title.

This week began the United 8 Conference Tournament for the Lady Colts. On Monday, the Colts took on the Douglas Byrd Eagle’s at 7pm at home. They won quickly in straight sets putting their record at 22-1 overall and 14-1 in the conference. 

The Colts got off to a quick start, taking care of business in the first set, easily winning by a score of 25-11.

The second set also came easy to the Colts, with them winning 25-8. Seniors Illyanna Johnson and Lilly Rayburn helped out the Colts defense with their blocking, tallying up — blocks combined.

The third and final set of the match ended with your Lady Colts winning by a score of 25-3 to end the game and advance them to the semi-final round of the tournament.

Tuesday, October 17th, the Colts took on the Lumberton Pirates at home at 7 for another 3-0 victory. This win bumped up their overall record to 23-1 and 15-1 in the conference. 

The first set went by smoothly with the Lady Colts winning by a score of 25-13. 

Kills from Seniors Olivia Melvin, Brooke Bombatepe, and Sophomore Tabitha Newlin helped lead the Colts to their victory over the Lady Rams.

The second and third sets came just as easy as the first, with the Colts winning by a score of 25-10 and 25-14.

Digs from Seniors Payton Gunter, Addie Hudson helped keep the ball alive and lead to the Colts victory.

For the championship match, the Colts took on the Grays Creek Bears at home on Wednesday, October 18th at 6pm. 

The game kicked off at 6pm. The Lady Colts swept their rivals 3-0, taking the championship easily. 

The first set ended with a score of 25-14. The second and third sets ended with scores of 25-21 and 25-13, making the Colts 3-0 for the tournament, taking the title. 

“I honestly feel like it was some of the best volleyball weve played all year,” said Coach Kelly Melvin. “From even before warm ups I felt like the team was living up to our theme ‘We before Me!’”

Assists from Seniors Brooke Bombatepe and Larkin Baxley helped the Colts offense prevail. 

“We played very well not only individually, but as a team this past week and the whole season. It feels great to be the tournament champion two years in a row,” Baxley said. 

This win put the Lady Colts at an overall record of 24-1, and a conference record of 16-1. 

Make sure to tune in this Saturday, October 21st as the ladies begin the 3A State Championships, more information will be posted soon about the time of the game and the opponent.