Dublin Christian wins second straight volleyball title

Dublin Christian Academy volleyball team members, from left, (back) assistant coach Kayla Olson, coach Kara Olson, Courtney Brown, Rayna Olson, Brooke Landry, Gabriella Rossall, Samantha Fletcher, Eliana Nadeau, Julia Murray, assistant coach Liz Ogden, (front) Priscilla Cheng, Sofia Anderson, Anna Grace Ogden and Anna Paquin.

Dublin Christian Academy volleyball team members, from left, (back) assistant coach Kayla Olson, coach Kara Olson, Courtney Brown, Rayna Olson, Brooke Landry, Gabriella Rossall, Samantha Fletcher, Eliana Nadeau, Julia Murray, assistant coach Liz Ogden, (front) Priscilla Cheng, Sofia Anderson, Anna Grace Ogden and Anna Paquin. —COURTESY PHOTO

The New England Association of Christian Schools named team captain and DCA senior Brooke Landry, left, and DCA sophomore Samantha Fletcher of Dublin regional all-stars at its regional championship in Concord on Oct 28.

The New England Association of Christian Schools named team captain and DCA senior Brooke Landry, left, and DCA sophomore Samantha Fletcher of Dublin regional all-stars at its regional championship in Concord on Oct 28. —COURTESY PHOTO

Anna Grace Ogden bumps a shot during regionals.

Anna Grace Ogden bumps a shot during regionals. —COURTESY PHOTO

Courtney Brown returns a shot during regionals.

Courtney Brown returns a shot during regionals. —COURTESY PHOTO

Gabriella Rossall hits one over the net during the state championships.

Gabriella Rossall hits one over the net during the state championships. —COURTESY PHOTO

Brooke Landry  goes for a spike during the state championship.

Brooke Landry  goes for a spike during the state championship. —COURTESY PHOTO

By BROOKE LANDRY

DCA Class of 2024

Published: 11-08-2023 7:41 AM

Dublin Christian Academy’s girls’ volleyball team secured their second state championship title in a row Oct. 20 in the New England Association of Christian Schools (NEACS) state tournament.

DCA’s Stags defeated the South Merrimack Christian Academy Minutemen in three sets. NEACS named senior Sofia Anderson of New Ipswich and senior Rayna Olson of Sharon to the North Division all-tournament team and named senior Brooke Landry of Dublin most valuable player.

The Stags had a record of 6-1 in the regular season. After winning the state championship, the Stags advanced to the regional championship, where they put up a five-set fight against the Torrington Christian Academy Flames Saturday, Oct. 28. The team played without their starting setter, Olson, due to injury, and lost 3-2. NEACS named sophomore Samantha Fletcher of Dublin and Landry regional all-stars.

Kara Olson of Sharon coached the team, assisted by Liz Ogden of Dublin and Kayla Olson of New Ipswich. Kara Olson has been coaching for Dublin Christian Academy for a total of 10 years over a 13-year span. The 2023 season was her last as coach, and the team recognized her accomplishments and dedication to coaching at a party after the game.

“This season was like no other I’ve ever experienced before. We persevered through injuries, accidents, and personal struggles from start to finish,” said Landry, “We were able to rise up this season, meet the challenges that faced us, and accomplish great things. We give all the glory to God.”

Kara Olson said the challenges the team faced equipped them for the state tournament, when they had to change their starting lineup unexpectedly because of an injury. According to Olson, the team's firm foundation in a constantly changing season was a verse from Scripture -- “For I am the Lord, I change not.” 

“I am so proud of our team for staying united no matter who was on the court,” Olson said. “Each player gave their best and it came together on the court in a beautiful way. The lessons learned this season about a dependable God will stick with us for a lifetime.”

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles