AZLE — Senior Night was relatively short at a recent volleyball game at Azle Christian School.
The team’s roster includes one senior.
On Oct. 17, the bleachers were packed at the ACS gymnasium, and fans applauded Olivia Ramos as she was escorted onto the court by parents Hector and Meredith Ramos.
Olivia Ramos is new to the school this year after attending a Fort Worth school previously. Her outgoing personality and open nature made her popular among students and teammates.
“She brings so much positivity, so much encouragement, and just so much confidence to our girls,” said head coach Danelle Skartvedt. “It means so much. She breaks us out every time. She's a great senior, and I'm so glad to have her on the team.”
Ramos thanked her parents for being role models, idols, and best friends all rolled into one. She told her siblings she loved them and expressed appreciation for being embraced by schoolmates.
“Thank you to my new friends who have made my time here amazing,” she said.
Her favorite Bible verse: “She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25.
what a win!
The Lady Crusaders showed true grit against Victory Baptist to come from behind and win 3 of 5 sets.
On Oct. 12, Azle Christian took on the district-leading Victory Baptist and won the first set but lost the next two. The girls could have easily folded, lost game 4, and gone home, but they fought back and won the fourth set 25-15 and the deciding fifth set 15-11.
“Our girls pulled together and didn’t quit,” said Skartvedt. “It was so awesome to watch them recover and recognize they were still in the game.”
The coach praised upperclassmen who “showed up big time,” including Olivia Ramos for her “positive attitude and encouragement” and junior Daisy Ramos for being a “blocking force.” She commended junior Jacelynn Hammond for fighting through a toe injury and remaining calm and confident on the court, and the coach applauded junior Madisen Gibson, who rolled her ankle in the fourth set but fought through pain to serve the final point.
The upperclassmen “led their team well,” Skartvedt said. “I would also credit my awesome assistant coaches and supportive set of parents.”
season stats so far
Annaliese Houston leads the team with 79 kills, followed by Dari Skartvedt with 62, and Hallie Collins with 61.
On defense, Makayla Garcia has logged 103 digs, followed by Houston (86), and Collins (86).
Skartvedt is the top server with 47 aces. Madisen Gibson has recorded 39, and Houston and Collins are tied with 25 apiece.
Collins leads in assists with 115. Skartvedt is close behind with 94.
JEFF PRINCE