By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

New Evangel Christian School volleyball coach Caprice Lawrence didn’t have to wait long to be part of the rivalry between the Lightning and Hope Christian School.

The Lightning picked up a 25-9, 25-11, 25-16 win over the Eagles on the opening night of the season Aug. 18.

Lawrence, who served as an assistant for Evangel Christian during the school’s back-to-back Alabama Christian Sports Conference championship squads the past two seasons, said the Lightning were in midseason form in the opener.

“They’re playing great,” Lawrence said. “I’m really proud of them. They’re fantastic players and interested in being challenged and learning. They’re coachable.”

Kierson McGriff led Evangel Christian (1-0) with five kills in the season opener. McGriff also finished with eight service aces in the victory.

Elizabeth Ragland, the ACSC tournament’s most valuable player a year ago, added eight service aces and six digs in the win. Senior Kate Foster led the Lightning with 10 assists. Anna Byers finished with a team-high three blocks.

Teenie Donlin led Hope Christian (0-1) with one kill in the match. Donlin and Joelle Reed finished with one service ace each.

Rachel Holmes recorded one dig. Aubrey Best finished with one assist in the match.

Lawrence said the rivalry match against Hope Christian didn’t feel like a season opener.

“It was really loud,” Lawrence said. “There was a lot of energy.”