From Taped Lines to a Championship Shot: Ambleside JV Finishes 16–3 Season

KINSTON - Ambleside Preparatory Academy’s junior varsity volleyball team was one set away from a championship Friday afternoon.

After taking the opening set behind a 10-point serving run from Lacie Pike, the Archers appeared poised to finish their season with a title. But Lee Park Prep of Monroe battled back, winning the final two sets to claim a 2–1 victory Friday, October 23.

Ambleside won the opener 25–20 before Lee Park answered with 25–22 and 15–9 victories, ending the Archers’ season at 16–3.

“Our girls are very determined to win. They like to win,” Ambleside’s coach said. “They just, they give everything they got.”

Pike’s Serving Run Gives Ambleside Early Control

The opening set was competitive early, with Lee Park taking several small leads before Ambleside found its rhythm.

Ollie Tyndall provided an early spark with two service aces and several strong attacks at the net. Emma Humphrey added an important kill as the Archers battled to a 9–9 tie.

That’s when Pike took over from the service line.

With Pike serving, Ambleside scored 10 consecutive points to turn a tied set into a 19–9 advantage. Lee Park called two timeouts during the stretch but couldn’t immediately stop the run.

Tyndall delivered another powerful spike as Ambleside extended its lead.

The Knights eventually responded, cutting the deficit to 19–15 and forcing an Ambleside timeout. Lee Park continued fighting and narrowed the margin to 24–20 before Humphrey finished the set with a strong attack, giving the Archers a 25–20 victory.

Ambleside needed one more set to win the championship.

Lee Park Responds in Second Set

The second set remained close early, with both teams trading points.

Humphrey delivered a block and a well-placed tip as Ambleside moved ahead 11–9. Tyndall continued contributing offensively, but Lee Park eventually gained control, building a 17–13 lead.

The Knights extended their advantage to 22–18 before Ambleside responded with three consecutive points, cutting the deficit to 22–21.

Lee Park called timeout, scored the next point and watched Ambleside answer again to make it 23–22.

The Knights secured the final two points, winning 25–22 and forcing a deciding third set.

Ambleside’s coach acknowledged that mistakes and nerves played a role in the momentum shift, particularly balls that went unplayed and attacks that went into the net or out of bounds.

The coach emphasized that aggressive mistakes were easier to accept than hesitation.

“Being aggressive, that’s what I love,” the coach said. “You want to be aggressive.”

Archers Fall in Deciding Set

The third set opened with another competitive stretch.

Lee Park jumped ahead 3–1 before Humphrey delivered consecutive powerful attacks, helping Ambleside tie the score at 4–4 and move ahead 5–4.

The Knights responded with the decisive run, taking a 9–6 lead before extending the margin to 11–6.

Ambleside answered with two points to trim the deficit to 11–8, but Lee Park maintained control down the stretch, closing the set 15–9 to secure the championship.

The teams finished separated by just four total points across the three sets, with Lee Park outscoring Ambleside 60–56.

Success Despite Limited Facilities

Ambleside’s championship appearance capped an impressive season for a program competing without some of the facilities available to its opponents.

According to the coach, the Archers practice on a concrete floor at their school rather than a traditional gymnasium court. The volleyball boundaries must be marked with tape, and players frequently deal with floor burns from diving on the surface.

“I think it gives a little bit of a disadvantage not having all the amenities that the other teams have,” the coach said. “So they’ve had to work extra hard. They’ve had to fight extra hard.”

The team also entered the season with limited experience. While several players had competed together for approximately three years, others were playing their first season.

It was also the program’s first year competing in its current conference, according to the coach.

Despite those challenges, Ambleside opened the season with 11 consecutive victories and finished with a 16–3 overall record.

The Archers went 10–1 in MACAA 2A conference play, finishing second in the standings. They also placed third in the conference tournament.

Ambleside won 33 sets while losing just seven throughout the season, with 15 of its 16 match victories coming in straight sets.

A Season to Remember

Friday’s championship match highlighted several players who contributed to Ambleside’s success throughout the season.

Humphrey and Tyndall provided offensive production at the net, while Pike’s serving run helped the Archers take the opening set. Pike also played an important role in the team’s offense as a setter throughout the year.

Bristol Dew, Taylor Decker and Anna Pittman were among the other players who contributed to the Archers’ successful season.

The coach admitted the championship loss was disappointing, particularly after winning the first set.

“I wish we would’ve taken it all. I wish we would’ve won this game,” the coach said.

However, the postgame message focused on what the team accomplished and the opportunity the players had to compete.

“I told the girls that I really enjoyed coaching them this season,” the coach said.

The coach also emphasized gratitude and the team’s Christian faith.

“We are truly blessed by God no matter what outcome,” the coach said.

Although Ambleside fell short of the championship, the Archers finished with 16 victories, a second-place conference finish and a championship appearance despite practicing in less-than-ideal conditions.

For a young program still gaining experience, the season provided plenty to build on.