For the Savannah Christian girls' volleyball teams, winning is commonplace. To get there, the Raiders have truly followed the process.
The varsity girls' squad recently ended another successful campaign, as the Raiders finished in the state's Elite 8 round for the third consecutive season. The Raiders posted an overall 31-10 mark with a 10-0 region mark.
However, successful high school programs are often the result of their in-house feeder programs.
Such is the case for the Raiders' eighth, and fifth-sixth grade programs that captured respective SPAL championships. The eighth-grade team won its third consecutive title, while the fifth/sixth-grade team captured its inaugural title.
In the championship games, the eighth-grade team downed Savannah Country Day, 25-23, 25-20, and the sixth-grade team bested Hancock, 25-14, 25-12.
Overall, the eighth-grade team posted an overall un-blemished 18-0 record, while the fifth/sixth grade team recorded a flawless 10-0 slate.
Shawn Darling served as head coach for both teams, and she was quite impressed with their overall production.
"The eighth-grade team didn't lose a set all season," said Darling. "The girls have played together for some time, and they knew each other well. Most of the older girls are playing club volleyball, and that has been a big help. They trust each other and have a good chemistry. It is a reflection of their commitment and dedication.
"We had some new faces with our younger girls, and we stressed working on fundamentals. We stress the pass, set, and attack, and it really caught on with them. We wanted them to grow to the next level instead of concentrating on winning games. But they developed well and had a strong sense of commitment to each other.
"Both teams did a fabulous job, and it showed."
PHOTO - SCPS SPAL 8TH GRADE CHAMPIONS
Against Country Day, the eighth grade was paced by Holly Binmore who had seven kills and Aylee Hirata added six; Ella Burgstiner had a team-high 19 assists; and Lily Cejic notched two aces.
Cejic and Burgstiner each recorded five digs, and Hirata, Beca Ortiz, and Peyton Bopp had four apiece. Other team members were Adi Mineo, Kinslee Whitton, Kayleigh Grier, and Savannah Griffin.
"It was a true team effort," added Darling.
Against Hancock, the fifth/sixth grade was led by Carson Darling, who had seven kills; Alex Cejic, who had ten assists; and Avery Buck, who notched six aces. Other team members were Amelia Beason, Aubrie Barnes, Addison Bauman, Hadley O'Connor, Cleo Binmore, Madison Roberts, Joyce Eun, Vidhi Bodalia, and Isabella Knowles.
PHOTO - SCPS SPAL 8TH GRADE CHAMPIONS
Darling, who played college volleyball and has coached at the high school level, has thoroughly enjoyed her current situation.
"I really love coaching the two teams," Darling gushed. "I coach because of my love for the game and to try to have these girls progress along the way. We just want them to do the things that they can do. They have seen what the older girls have done, and that has helped them build their confidence."
"The girls had a lot of fun playing the game, and both teams can move to the next level."
Photo Credit: Courtesy Savannah Christian Preparatory School Athletics Department
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