Conway, SC – The Atlantic Collegiate Academy volleyball team saw its season come to an end on Thursday evening in a 3-1 loss to visiting Philip Simmons.
 
The Armada finished its first year of play in the South Carolina High School League with a 24-11-5 record. The Iron Horses move on to face North Central High in the Lower State Championship game next Tuesday.
 
ACA battled in a hard-fought first set before falling 25-23 but bounced back to win the second set in convincing fashion, 25-16. Philip Simmons turned the tables to win the third set 25-15 before holding off a determined Armada squad 25-21 in the fourth set to secure the victory.

"The 2024 ACA volleyball was another year of firsts," ACA head coach Larry Church said. "First region victory, first region championship and first appearance in the playoffs. The season started off with some challenges because we were unable to have our first practice in our new gym until Labor Day. To their credit, our kids never complained, and we even had a couple of outdoor practices before the gym was available.

"We were initially scheduled to start our season with our first appearance at an HCS high school but unfortunately, due to some administrative miscommunication, we were unable to, and our first match was a region match against Mullins. That was a historic moment as it was the first region contest and region win in ACA history. Overall, we finished 11-0 in the region and claimed the championship. I am very proud of our team for winning the region, but I am prouder of how they represented ACA and were true ambassadors of the sport of volleyball."

Junior libero Addison Autry had a standout performance for the Armada, recording 38 digs to go with three assists and three service aces. Junior setter Kylie Jones also had a solid defensive performance, recording nine digs to go with six block assists and one block solo while also posting 25 assists and one service ace.
 
Junior middle hitter Savina Pimentel was a force at the net with 18 block assists and nine solo blocks. She also had eight digs and three kills. Senior outside hitter Reese Feldman closed her high school career with 10 kills while also recording 19 digs and 10 block assists to go with one solo block and a team-high five service aces.
 
Senior outside hitter Ella Handley finished her final match with 15 digs, seven kills, four aces and three block assists.
 
Junior right side Kathryn Delea finished the night with 14 block assists and five solo blocks to go with six kills and seven digs. Sophomore middle hitter Elle Lorenz recorded eight block assists to go with a kill and one solo block while sophomore outside hitter Lane Skinner had 10 block assists, three solo blocks along with a kill and a dig.

"Our non-region schedule consisted of two matches against Oceanside and four tournaments," Church said. "In our tournaments, we had several matches against AAAA and AAAAA opponents as well as success against AA foes. This established us as one of the top 10 AA schools for the entire season, which is an amazing accomplishment for these young ladies. 

"Our post-season was highlighted by the recognition of our senior captains, Reese Feldman and Ella Handley, as All-State and All-Stars. They were the only players in Horry County to receive both distinctions. Reese was also region Player of the Year and Ella, Kylie Jones and Addison Autry were named to the All-Region team. We were also able to get the first playoff win in ACA history by defeating Chesterfield and followed it up with another win against Barnwell. Our first postseason ended with a tough loss against to an exceptionally talented Philip Simmon team.

"I am so proud of this group of young ladies and all they accomplished this season. My favorite part has been the level of recognition for our players by those in the volleyball community around the state. This team has represented ACA in a way that establishes our school as a budding force in the state as a volleyball program. They have also helped to create a respectful bond among the teams in our region. I am sad the season is over, but excited for the next chapter. WE ARE ACA!"
About Atlantic Collegiate Academy: Atlantic Collegiate Academy (ACA), located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while also earning up to two years of college credit. ACA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10 grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades. Learn more about ACA by visiting our website at AtlanticCollegiate.Academy and by following us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.