Sherwood opens volleyball season with win in Tifton

TIFTON — After a summer of preparation, Sherwood Christian Academy didn’t waste much time showing it was ready for the new volleyball season.

The Lady Eagles opened their season Monday with a convincing straight-set victory over Chess Academy in Tifton, winning 25-9, 25-13 and 25-20.

Sherwood controlled the match from the beginning, dominating the opening set before continuing to build momentum in the second. Chess Academy provided a tougher challenge in the third, but the Lady Eagles held off the hosts to complete the sweep and start the season 1-0.

For Sherwood coach Briana Collins, the result was encouraging, but she was just as pleased with the way her players competed and supported one another.

“Great first win,” Collins said. “Proud of our hustle and encouragement. We’ve been preparing all summer for a great season and are excited to start it off with a win.”

Monday’s match also carried some added significance for the host school. It was the inaugural home match for Chess Academy’s volleyball program, giving Sherwood an opportunity to be part of the program’s first night of competition in its home gym.

“We were excited to be a part of Chess Academy’s inaugural home opener and look for great things for their program,” Collins said.

The victory begins a busy opening week for the Lady Eagles.

Sherwood travels to Macon on Tuesday to face Stratford Academy before playing its first home match of the season Thursday at the school’s campus at 1418 Old Pretoria Road.

After months of offseason work, Collins and the Lady Eagles now have something tangible to show for it — a three-set sweep and a 1-0 start to the season.