Grace Volleyball Sweeps Cornerstone Christian

STAUNTON – Grace Christian School ran its volleyball record to 2-0 with a straight set victory Thursday over Cornerstone Christian. The Warriors won in impressive fashion 25-9, 25-5. 25-17.

Grace’s serving was a big factor as the team finished with 24 service aces.

A kill by Amelia Rylak gave Grace a 7-4 lead in the opening set and then the Warriors took command behind the serving of libero Finley Bussiere. The Grace senior served 13 consecutive points, including five aces, for a 21-5 lead. 

After four points by the Cougars, Grace scored the final four points, three on aces by Ella Moffett, to close out the first set.

The second set was more of the same for the Warriors.

Three aces by Margaret Shomo powered the home team to a quick 5-1 cushion. Katherine Smith followed with a strong run at the service line with seven straight points, including three aces, to push the lead to 12-3.

Bussiere served six points from the service line, as the lead swelled to 19-4. Addie Fitzgerald put down a pair of kills during the run.

A kill by Rylak was good for a side-out, and Moffett served the final five points to close out the second set. Moffett’s service run included three aces.

Cornerstone put forth its best performance in the third set, hanging close to the Warriors.

The score was tied at 11-11 before the Warriors started to pull away. 

Four straight points, featuring a kill by Sara Young, put Grace on top 17-12. The Warriors then took control at the net with two kills by Rylak and one by Fitzgerald to lead 21-13.

Moffett then stepped to the line and served the next three points, one on an ace, to give Grace set point. After a Cougars’ side-out, a kill by Grace’s Shomo provided the final point of the match.

Unofficially, Moffett paced the Warriors with nine aces and Bussiere added six. Rylak and Fitzgerald finished with five kills each.

Grace also won the JV contest. The Warriors took the deciding third set, 15-11.