First Baptist’s girls volleyball team finished its season by defeating host Summit Christian in the Hampton Roads Invitational Tournament on Tuesday night in Newport News. The Lady Crusaders rallied after dropping the first two sets for an 11-25, 22-25, 25-16, 25-18, 15-12 final.

First Baptist turned the tide in the third game jumping out to a 13-4 lead with good serving and a strong attack.

The Lady Crusaders got out to an early lead again in set four and held on to tie the match.

Summit led early on in the tiebreaking set, but the Lady Crusaders overcame that and some nerves to rally. A block by Dani Edwards and a kill by Megan Farmer took First Baptist’s lead to 12-8. Summit got back to within a point at 13-12, but a Summit error gave the Lady Crusaders match point.

Michaela Jones put in a good serve and Summit had a hitting error, giving the Lady Crusaders the chance to celebrate their first girls varsity championship in any sport.

“Abby Edwards and Becca Ballance showed their leadership skills in bringing our team back. When we were down, those two young ladies stepped up and lifted the play of the entire team,” said First Baptist head coach Joe Cockrell.

“Libero Christine Joslin often doesn’t get credit for her contributions to our success. Her court coverage is amazing and she passes the ball on the dime every match. She also led our team in service points for the year,” said Cockrell.

Seniors Abby Edwards and Becca Ballance were named to the all-tournament team. Summit’s Megan Hardison was the tournament MVP.

Morgan Overton had 15 assists and Abby Edwards had 12 assists. Ballance had 11 kills and 10 service points. Dani Edwards, Megan Farmer, Victoria Carr and Abby Edwards each had five or more kills.

First Baptist finishes the season, its second full varsity season, with a 12-7 overall record.