By: Derek Chirch

WEST PALM BEACH- The King’s Academy volleyball team picked up a huge early season victory on Saturday, defeating three-time defending 2A state champion Seacrest Country Day in straight sets.  The Lions battled each set to pull off the the 25-23, 25-23, 25-22 victory. They avenged last season’s three-set loss and sent a message that this year’s team is a legitimate state contender.

The Lions were led by the dynamic combination of senior Kelly Kinney and sophomore Miranda Knoll.  Kinney piled up 22 kills on the day, consistently putting away points and halting SCDS rallies.  Knoll had nine aces on the day and was a force all over the floor making plays at both the net and on the back row.  The setting tandem of Hunter Saltalamacchia and Jordan Molnar combined for 27 assists and steadied the Lions offensive attack all game.

With the victory, the Lions improved to 2-0 on the season.  They head to Boynton Beach on Monday night to take on Lake Worth Christian before they travel to Gainesville next weekend for the much-anticipated Nike Tournament of Champions.