By GRAHAM CARR / Staff Writer

PENSCACOLA- Kingwood Christian’s volleyball team placed second overall in the East Hill Invitational tournament in Pensacola, Fla. this past weekend with the Lions’ only loss being in the championship.

The Lions’ tournament leaders were Casey Whitmer with  11 aces, 25 kills, two blocks and three digs, while Madelyn Pearce added eight aces,  29 kills, and seven digs. Blair Holsomebeck added nine aces,  seven kills,  two digs and 76 assist, while Sloane Pickett chipped in  10 aces, 19 kills and a block.  Katie Allen Etheridge had six aces, 17 kills, a block and a dig, while Hannah Spinks chipped in 14 aces, four kills, three digs and a assist.

Kingwood (28-7) opened pool play with a 2-0 (25-10, 25-12) win over Bethlehem Christian.  Kingwood defeated Host East Hill Christian High School 2-0 (25-5, 25-9) next and beat La Vida Arena 2-0 (25-12, 25-17) to advance to the single-elimination tournament.

Kingwood defeated defeated Victory Christian 2-0(25-9, 25-18) and Lighthouse Baptist Academy 2-0 (25-12, 25-11) to advance to the tournament championship.

The Lions won the first set in the championship, but Central Christian rallied to win 2-1 (22-25,25-22, 15-5) to take first place.

Kingwood has one more regular season game Oct. 9 against Bessemer Academy before Regionals start Oct. 19.