CFNN Reporter: Addison Gunter, Ava Parker, and Sophia Wilson

On Tuesday October 22nd, the Cape Fear Volleyball Team took on the Ashley Screaming Eagles for the second round of playoffs in the friendly confines of the stable. From the first serve, it was clear that the Colts came ready to dominate, as they showcased fast tempoed plays, aggressive serves, and impeccable serve receipts. 

The first set decided the tone for the evening, with the Colts pulling out a win with a 25-23 edge. In the second set, the Colts maintained their momentum and secured the win, pushing past the Eagles 25-14. 

The third set was a thrilling back and forth battle that featured both teams exchanging points. The score climbed for both teams until it reached 24-26, with Ashley pulling out the win for the set. The Colts got the momentum and energy back on their side of the court, however, as they got back together in the fourth set, securing the win against the Eagles 25-17. The huge win carried the Colts into the 3rd round of playoffs.

“When we played against Wilmington Ashley, I felt we were very connected and excited for the game. Since we had a bye game in the first round of the playoffs it was like our first round. I think playing at home for the last time with all the seniors just added to the adrenaline and excitement as well. We all did a really good job with keeping the energy high all night long. I think we all played to the best of our ability and left it all out on the court leading us to a win,” said Sophomore Setter Sophia Wilson. 

Yesterday, the Colts traveled to Raleigh to take on the Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders in the third round of the state playoffs. The first set showed the team what they were up against, as the ladies dropped the set 13-25. The Crusaders momentum carried into both the 2nd and 3rd sets with the final set scores being 10-25 and 19-25. The Colts put up a good effort and fought until the bitter end,  but this match unfortunately brought an end to the season.

During the last set, Senior 6-rotation outside hitter Tabitha Newlin reached the impressive milestone of 1000 career kills. Tabitha has been a part of the Colt Varsity team since her freshman year and leads the team in Kills Per Set, Hitting Percentage (0.402), Total Blocks, Serving Aces, and Aces Per Set.

“Knowing Cardinal Gibbons’ record and skill, we still showed up and played OUR game, regardless of the score. At the beginning of the third set, my coaches, teammates, and parents surprised me with the celebration of my 1000th career kill, even though I had no idea. Ending this season with such an amazing team has been a blessing. I’m so grateful to have been surrounded with wonderful coaching, the sweetest teammates, life-long friends, and a supportive community. I’m so excited to watch these girls grow throughout the years and see where the team goes from here,” said Newlin.

“I think the overall season was really fun and enjoyable to be a part of. We all had a really good connection, I’ve never felt so connected to a team and not just through the way we played but also just as friends. We relied on each other, communicated with each other, and made the environment fun no matter the outcome of the game,” said Senior Middle Paige Seibles.

The Colts Varsity volleyball team finished with the overall record of 16-8, 8-2 in the conference, ranked #110 in North Carolina, and #19 in North Carolina 7A. Most impressively, this marks the 5th consecutive year that the Colts have qualified for the 3rd round or higher for state playoffs. That truly is the mark of a solid program that contends at the state level every year. Congratulations to the Volleyball team.