In their inaugural season as members of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools athletics, the varsity soccer and volleyball teams entered playoffs as the number one seeds for the Piedmont Conference. Both BJA teams won the school’s first playoff games. BJA defeated Oconee Christian Academy in boys’ soccer and Hampton Park Christian School in girls’ volleyball. This placed both teams as the number one seeds from the Piedmont Conference heading into the SCACS State Tournament. The SCACS State Soccer and Volleyball Tournament was held in Conway, SC, on October 25 and 26.
The varsity soccer team played Calvary Christian School from Myrtle Beach in the semifinal game. The Lions controlled possession of the ball and had numerous offensive opportunities against a “pack the box” defensive strategy. An outstanding free kick goal of 35+ yards by BJA senior Garrett Martin just prior to the end of the first half put the Lions on the board, and they added three more goals in the second half for a convincing win in the semifinal match.
The girls played Northside Christian of Charleston in the varsity volleyball semifinals. The Lions faced their opponent from their first regular season match and the result was the same—the Lions won in an exciting manner with a “never quit” winning attitude. The semifinal match prepared them for the big match on Saturday.
The championship soccer game saw BJA meeting Hampton Park once again. The Lions, coached by Don Ward, Jr., opened the championship match with great intensity and focus that enabled them to dictate much of the offensive action. There were a number of good team generated offensive opportunities that resulted in 3 goals for the Lions as they capped the season with an 18 – 0 record and the SCACS State Soccer Tournament Championship win. Garrett Martin, Seth Brown, Brady Taylor, and Christian Walker were selected as members of the All-Tournament Team.
The BJA varsity volleyball team, coached by Rachel Asire and Jenny Thornton, faced Emmanuel Christian School for the championship. The Lions entered the championship match with a determination that had been developed during a great regular season. There was no letdown as the Lions competed with teamwork against taller opponents who simply couldn’t slow the Lions on the way to the championship win of the SCACS State Volleyball Tournament. The girls finished with a 13-1 record for the season. Kirstin Christmas and Amanda Leatherwood were selected as members of the All-Tournament Team.
Oct
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