Division II-AA Crown: Briarcrest fends off CPA for 13th Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Notes: Do you want to get in front of Prep Dig Scouts? This is one big way to do it. The annual Kentucky Exposure Tour in Wilder is Nov. 28. Click on this link to register:</em> <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2489/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-kentucky" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://events.prepdig.com/e/2489/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-kentucky</a>. <em>For 25 percent off, type</em> ET26Mike25OFF <em>at checkout.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a punch and counterpunch type situation in the rematch between the Briarcrest Christian Saints and Christ Presbyterian Academy Lions in the Division II-AA state championship game at the Murphy Center at Middle Tennessee State University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, the Saints (32-7 overall) won another five-set thriller, 3-2 (25-15, 17-25, 25-19, 15-25, 15-9) to claim their 13th state championship overall and seventh in the last nine years. That is good for second in the state behind Brentwood's 16 for the most state championships in program history. CPA (31-9) is still seeking its first crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Briarcrest hit the ball better with a .313 hitting percentage landing 62 kills on 147 attempts to go with 16 errors. On the other side, CPA hit .238 recording 53 kills on 151 attempts to go with 17 errors. CPA had 12 aces to 10 for Briarcrest and the Lions also recorded six blocks to five for the Saints.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CPA did jump out to a 4-1 in the decisive fourth set. However, the Saints responded after a timeout with a 6-1 run to go up 7-5 prompting the Lions to call a timeout. The Lions battled back to tie it at 7-7 then 8-8. That's when Briarcrest went on a 6-0 run to go up 14-8 off three kills from tournament most valuable player [player_tooltip player_id='957052' first='Ashari' last='Jenkins']. [player_tooltip player_id='947057' first='Edie' last='Cabell'] ended the run with a kill to make it 14-9 Saints before the Saints on it on a CPA service error.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I think we needed a mental reset," Briarcrest head coach April Jauregui said. "They kind of had control with the serve so I called an early timeout (down 4-1 in the fifth set). It was like, 'Let's go. You got to reset your mind and act like champions that you are. You deserve to be here.' If we hang our heads, this match is over. They made that reset and came back out fighting so I'm very proud of them."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other four sets saw big runs by each team to pull away. Briarcrest used a 5-0 run to go up 15-8 in the first set and a 4-0 run early in the third set to take control. CPA responded with a 6-0 run to go up 18-12 in the second set and a 5-0 run early in the fourth set to take an 8-3 lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='807399' first='Sophie' last='Loe'] and Victoria Lankhorst did a great job starting things with good passes and [player_tooltip player_id='958326' first='Allison' last='Floyd'] made nice sets for the Saints. Jenkins, [player_tooltip player_id='805009' first='Camille' last='Northcross'], [player_tooltip player_id='960380' first='Chloe' last='Hazelbaker'], [player_tooltip player_id='948659' first='Nancy' last='Ward'] and [player_tooltip player_id='766338' first='Jasmine' last='Rawlins'] then gave the Saints the balanced attack they've enjoyed over the years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CPA tried to counter with libero [player_tooltip player_id='1000655' first='Nora' last='Cabell'] with [player_tooltip player_id='947057' first='Edie' last='Cabell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='961441' first='Sophia' last='Freije'] providing the Lions with sound all-around play. [player_tooltip player_id='807502' first='Taylor' last='Willeford'] and [player_tooltip player_id='947069' first='Emilie' last='Mark'] also took solid swings. The Lions even brought [player_tooltip player_id='947055' first='Lucy' last='Bascomb'] in to provide some net defense. [player_tooltip player_id='946577' first='McKenna' last='Stockton'] even came in to give [player_tooltip player_id='947057' first='Edie' last='Cabell'] some swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stat Leaders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='957052' first='Ashari' last='Jenkins'], Briarcrest Christian - 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='961441' first='Sophia' last='Freije'], CPA - 19</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='807502' first='Taylor' last='Willeford'], CPA - 18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='805009' first='Camille' last='Northcross'], Briarcrest Christian - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='960380' first='Chloe' last='Hazelbaker'], Briarcrest Christian - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='947069' first='Emilie' last='Mark'], CPA - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='958326' first='Allison' last='Floyd'], Briarcrest - 52</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='947057' first='Edie' last='Cabell'], CPA - 25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='946577' first='McKenna' last='Stockton'], CPA - 19</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hazelbaker - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='947057' first='Edie' last='Cabell'] - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willeford - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northcross - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stockton - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freije - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins - 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='807399' first='Sophie' last='Loe'], Briarcrest - 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hazelbaker - 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1000655' first='Nora' last='Cabell'], CPA - 12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northcross - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Floyd - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freije - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stockton - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willeford - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blocks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='947055' first='Lucy' last='Bascomb'], CPA - 5 assisted</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='947057' first='Edie' last='Cabell'] - 3 assisted</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Floyd - 2 assisted, 1 solo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rawlins - 2 assisted</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins - 2 assisted</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='948659' first='Nancy' last='Ward'], Briarcrest - 2 assisted</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freije - 2 assisted</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["957052"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054951,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adabed73ba73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jenkins came up clutch all throughout the game, especially in that fifth set. She recorded solid line swings and does a great job tooling blocks. Jenkins terminates balls a number of different ways. She adjusts her body to tap balls to open areas of the court. Jenkins landed some hard line drive serves to the back line. The tournament's most valuable player said it's essential to use high hands trying to use blocks to the advantage and mix that in with hard hits lands a number of balls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["805009"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054954,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adac22725390"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Northcross pounds balls to different zones on the court, putting over strong crosses. Northcross has a high attack point and smokes balls with a great downward trajectory. Northcross executes pipe plays with precision and tools blocks. Northcross even executes precise pipe plays. Northcross has good reflexes on defense, flies after balls and sends balls back toward the net. Northcross even puts tough jump float serves to different zones on the court. Northcross said the Saints controlled the net better in the fifth set by leaning on each other and remembering the teammates had their backs. Northcross added playing together helped win the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["807399"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054958,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adabed73baa4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Loe recorded a key pancake dig in the third set to keep a play alive and give the Saints a huge point. Loe reads hitters well and lunges after balls under control. She is consistent on serve receive and defense. Loe handles hard line drive serves taking minimal steps to balls. Loe said she makes sure she controls her body so she can absorb the ball so it stays on Briarcrest's side in hope of putting down balls over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["961441"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054961,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adac34dbbff3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Freije has already developed mental toughness at a young age. She quickly bounces back from mistakes. She puts over tough crosses and powerful four-to-four cut shots. She is a sound six-rotation player. Freije attacks seams with precision and takes hard swings on pipes. Freije is a solid blocker. She swings her arms out to get to balls and makes the simple passes on defense. Freije also teams up well with teammates to form solid double blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["947057"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adac417cfe95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cabell brings great versatility to the Lions. Cabell delivers hard jump serves and executes a variety of long and short sets. Cabell makes great adjustments on out of system balls and delivers solid line swings. Teammates can rely on Cabell to terminate balls when needed. Cabell uses her size to work with teammates to form tough double blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two and a half years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigkentucky/#">prepdigkentucky</a>, @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigtennessee/#">prepdigtennessee</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a> on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy, @PrepDigTN or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky, Tennessee or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky or Tennessee rankings, please email Mike at michaelgraham@prepdig.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount on yearly subscriptions, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->