Girls Tennis Produces Highlights in Defeat; Volleyball Plays at P-G

The SJCS Varsity girls tennis team made a strong showing against one of the top Class 5A teams in the state, losing 4-2 at J.L. Mann on Wednesday.

Both of the Knights' victories were noteworthy.

Junior Caroline Clayton recorded a come-from-behind, 7-6, 6-4 win at No. 2 singles.

"Caroline battled and overcame a slow start to triumph in straight sets," Knights Coach Tricia Brown said. "I was extremely proud of her effort."

Also, freshman Lyla Cate Frye, who just moved up from the Junior Varsity this year, split sets at No. 4 and then "dug in deep when it really mattered," Coach Brown said, winning the tie-breaker 10-5.

"I was so very proud of LC," Coach Brown said. "She is stepping into some big shoes, and she really proved to be a competitor who would not be denied. It was a thrilling match to watch."

The Knights will play at Mauldin at 5:00 PM Wednesday and then begin Region 2-3A play at home Thursday against Christ Church. They will host Waccamaw on Friday.

J.L. MANN 4, SJCS 2
Singles
No. 1-Ava Hershey (JLM) d. Bridget Houck, 6-0, 6-0
No. 2-Caroline Clayton (SJ) d. Ava Phillips, 7-6, 6-4
No. 3-Anne Glenn Maxwell (JLM) d. Kayce Charlton, 6-2, 7-6
No. 4-Lyla Cate Frye (SJ) d. Addie Johnson, 6-2, 2-6, 1-0
No. 5-Sabrina Wilson (JLM) d. Sara Gutierrez, 6-2, 7-5
Doubles
No. 2-Ashleigh Lucas/Kat Yorulmaz (JLM) d. Evania Ayala/Claire Robinson, 4-6, 6-4, 1-0

Volleyball

The SJCS Varsity volleyball team went 2-4 in the Porter-Gaud Tournament in Charleston this past weekend.

The Knights posted victories against defeated Class 5A James Island and Ashley Hall, which has won 12 SCISA state championships.

St. Joe's will be in action again Thursday, hosting Christ Church at 7:00 PM. the JV will play the Cavaliers at 5:30.

PORTER-GAUD TOURNAMENT

SJCS d. James Island 2-0 (25-16, 25-17)
Ava Catherine Elder 8 kills, 3 blocks, 5 aces; Emily Clark 7 kills, 3 aces; Emi Reese Hand 8 assists, 3 aces; Tiffany Helmer 10 digs; Alicia Hanley 9 assists; Brianna Armocida 3 blocks; Charli Hamby 3 blocks.

Lucy Beckham d. SJCS 2-0 (25-14, 25-18)
Elder 4 kills; Clark 4 kills, 5 assists; Camila Salgado 3 kills; Lily Velky 3 kills; Armocida 3 blocks; Helmer 7 digs; Hand 7 assists, 3 digs; Hanley 7 assists; Emma Jacques 3 digs.

Bishop England d. SJCS 2-1 (25-9, 15-25, 15-4)
Elder 5 kills, 4 aces; Helmer 10 digs; Hand 8 digs, 4 assists; Hanley 6 assists.

SJCS d. Ashley Hall 2-0 (25-19, 28-26)
Elder 8 kills; Velky 4 kills; Sophia Duque 3 aces; Armocida 5 blocks; Helmer 7 digs; Hanley 12 assists; Hand 9 assists.

Palmetto Christian Academy d. SJCS 2-0 (25-23, 25-23)
Elder 7 kills; Clark 4 kills; Helmer 13 digs, 3 aces; Armocida 3 blocks; Hanley 5 digs; Hand 9 assists; Hanley 9 assists.

Philip Simmons d. SJCS 2-0 (25-15, 25-16)
Elder 7 kills; Velky 4 kills; Clark 3 kills, 4 digs; Helmer 8 digs; Hanley 8 assists; Hand 7 assists.