Can they 3-peat? Nation Ford volleyball starts hot in pursuit of another state title

The Nation Ford volleyball team, which has won the last two 5A volleyball state championships, is off to yet another good start in the 2020 season.

So naturally, the question looms: Can the Falcons win three state titles in a row?

Head coach Carrie Christian, who has entered her 12th year at the helm of the program, said her team has addressed that question.

“We have mentioned it, but right now we are working every day to get better,” Christian said. “We just want to take steps forward every time we practice or play to become a better team.”

In 2019, Nation Ford finished on a 27-match undefeated streak, only dropping six sets in that run. That team — led in part by Sophie Fischer, who ended her prep career with more than 1,950 kills and signed to play at the University of Kentucky — won its program’s third state title, adding to its first-ever 5A state title in 2018 and a 3A state title the team won in 2010.

This year, the Falcons are rolling again. Christian’s team started 5-1 with a region record of 3-0. Those region wins came against Fort Mill, Gaffney and Boiling Springs all by scores of 3-0.

“We have done very well thus far, and I am very pleased,” the veteran coach said. “I have seen improvement in our play from day one.”

Christian has three starters returning from last year’s team to build this year’s edition of the Falcons around. They are senior outside hitter Hannah Neff, and juniors Taylor Atkinson, who is a middle hitter, and Ainsley Marion, who is a libero and a defensive specialist.

“I am more than satisfied with the way those three have assumed the leadership role for this year’s team,“ Christian said. “All three of them want to be leaders. They lead by example on the floor, and they encourage and challenge their teammates.”

Christian is also counting on the contributions of another quartet of players. They are senior libero Eva Moulds, junior middle hitter Adeline Mezzanotte, sophomore setter Cecilia Fenbert, and freshman setter Ella Scott.

“Those four have worked extremely hard thus far,” added Christian. “They just need some more playing time to adjust from junior varsity or reserve players to roles as starters.”

Nation Ford volleyball season different than in years past

Christian had to change some things because of concerns around COVID-19, but her basic approach is still the same, she said. The Falcons did not do offseason workouts or team camp because of the virus.

The schedule is also different than in past years: The Falcons usually play four or five tournaments in the regular season, but there are no tournaments on this year’s slate. Instead, there are more games during week.

“I tried to balance up the week between games and practice,” said Christian. “You have to have time to practice so that you can work on fundamentals, which has always been our focus here.”

Christian added her preparation is not changing from past years despite the lost time because of the virus.

“We want to be fundamentally sound,” she said. “We want to work with our players and put them in roles where they can be successful.”

Bonding is most important for all athletic teams. Christian views that as a very important part of her success at Nation Ford.

“We missed out on a lot of that because of the virus,” she said. “However, we are getting there. These players get along well together on and off the court, and they are beginning to develop as a team. It just takes time.”

Christian: ‘We did not change our overall approach’

Christian noted that this team is different from the past two that claimed state titles.

“This team is younger and has less experience than both of those teams,” she added. “We have a great work ethic as a team, and that will help us moving forward.”

Christian has developed good teams in the past at Nation Ford. This year is no different.

“We did not change our overall approach or deviate from our normal preparation,” she said. “We just need to keep working hard every day. If we do that we will be successful.”

This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 12:55 PM.