Sherwood Christian volleyball sweeps Highland on Senior Night

ALBANY — Sherwood Christian Academy gave its seniors a fitting farewell Monday night.

Playing its final home match of the regular season, the Lady Eagles dominated Highland Christian in straight sets, winning 25-8, 25-10 and 25-6 during a Pink Out and Senior Night celebration.

The victory improved Sherwood Christian to 18-8 overall and provided another boost of momentum heading into the GIAA state playoffs.

“Senior Night was a huge success,” Sherwood coach Bri Collins said. “Our seniors have had a great year, and tonight capped it off with a great Senior Night. We had a great time celebrating this group, and it was good to get a win.”

Sherwood honored seven senior players — Bella Mullis, Emma Baker, Addie Walker, Maddie Mallard, Justice Perryman, Melia Mallard and Julia Kendrick — along with senior managers Annie Amparo and Jordyn Brown.

The Lady Eagles controlled the match from the service line, with Kendrick leading the way. Highland Christian was never able to settle into a rhythm as Sherwood built early leads in each set and quickly answered any attempt at a rally.

“We were dominant at the service line the entire night, led by Julia Kendrick,” Collins said. “When given the opportunity to fight back, we answered and never looked back.”

After rolling through the first two sets, Collins gave the seven senior players the third set together. They closed the night with Sherwood’s most decisive victory, finishing the 25-6 set and completing the sweep.

“I was happy to honor our seven players with their own seniors-only third set,” Collins said. “This group is special and will leave a great legacy in our program.”

The night was both a celebration of what the seniors have contributed and a transition toward what Sherwood still hopes to accomplish.

The Lady Eagles finished third in the region behind Valwood and Grace Christian, earning the right to host first-round playoff matches Saturday. Before turning their full attention to the postseason, Sherwood will travel to Mount de Sales for its final regular-season match.

Collins said the Lady Eagles must use the remaining practices and match experience to make sure they are playing together when the postseason begins.

“We are excited to host the first round of the state playoffs on Saturday,” Collins said. “We’re taking it one day and one practice at a time and making sure we connect as a team from start to finish.”

Saturday, the Lady Eagles will watch as Georgia Christian and Heritage Prep start the playoffs Saturday at Sherwood, then the Lady Eagles will face the winner at 4 p.m.