Faith Lutheran opened the Class 5A Southern Region semifinals with a 7-2 lead and never looked back, sweeping Centennial 25-16, 25-14, 25-15 at Legacy High School. The victory sends the Crusaders (30-7) to Saturday's region championship and secures the program's first state tournament appearance since 2018.
Sophomore outside hitter Abby Bunyan led Faith Lutheran with a match-high 21 kills, attacking from multiple positions along the net. Chloe Garcia added nine kills and Tori Castro had eight, while Olivia Kiel distributed 25 assists and Ellee Ford served five aces. Coach Amy Fisher credited the team's balanced offense, saying six strong hitters make the Crusaders difficult to defend.
Fisher said the team's emphasis on fast starts sets the tone and puts pressure on opponents. She acknowledged concern about facing Centennial for a third time this season, especially after the Bulldogs' upset win over Foothill, but Faith Lutheran quickly extinguished any momentum.
In the other semifinal, three-time defending state champion Bishop Gorman (31-6) defeated Coronado 25-17, 25-16, 23-25, 25-16. The Gaels have met Coronado in the past three state title matches. Aliana Breitling led Gorman with 14 kills, while middle blockers Ashiedu Nwuli and Caira Tasi combined for 15 kills. Coach Gregg Nunley noted Coronado has taken only two sets from his team in four years.
Faith Lutheran and Bishop Gorman will meet for the region title at noon Saturday at Legacy, with both teams already qualified for the Class 5A state tournament Nov. 5-6 at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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