The Pace volleyball and cross country teams have continued to dominate their competition, even after moving up to the 4A division. Nov. 5 was an exciting day for the Pace Knights, as both the girls volleyball and cross country teams brought home state championships, and the boys cross country team earned fourth-place in the state.
The girls varsity volleyball team defeated Lovett 3-0 at Lakepoint Sports Complex in Cartersville, earning their sixth consecutive state title. The Knights won the matches 25-11, 25-23 and 25-20. “We worked super hard and overcame so many different adversities. Before the big game, we got in a big circle and gave the younger girls advice and helped them with the nerves. On game day, we just tried to focus on our side of the net and build each other up! It’s truly a family!” said junior team captain Grace Agolli.
Agolli, senior team captain Briea Craft, junior Dhru Lalaji and junior Ellie Siskin were all named to the 4A All-State team. Craft was invited to participate in the Senior All-Star Match and was named an AVCA All-American player, and Agolli received Player of the Year. The team ended their regular season with an impressive record of 42-1. “Sweeping our rival was not only the best way to end the season, but also the best way to end my Pace volleyball career,” said Craft.
The girls varsity cross country team also ended their season with a strong finish, earning their third straight state championship at Carrollton High School. “Coming off a back-to-back win, I was excited to see our team pull it off again. Missing most of the season and not being with the team, state made it worth it,” said junior Caroline Hood. Four girls finished in the top ten, with Hood placing second in the state, sophomore Zahara Bernal placing fourth, freshman Harriet Blaha placing fifth and sophomore Olivia Resnick placing tenth. Freshman Eva Swales and senior team captains Kate Webb and Elizabeth Feagin also performed well in their races. Hood and Bernal were both named to the Power Eight All-Metro team. “We talked all season about needing to control the controllables and then let everything else go. The team that does that will be on the podium. The girls did just that at the state meet and walked out of there as back to back to back state champions,” said Coach Jolie Cunningham.