Old Testament Athletes roll to 3-0 start

Bee Esparza’s play has helped the Old Testament Athletes begin the church league volleyball season 3-0.

They Old Testament Athletes aren't just finding ways to win. They're doing everything it takes to lead the pack through two weeks of Church League Volleyball action.

The squad emerged as the league's lone 3-0 team Thursday with another straight-set win at McMinnville Church of God, beating First Baptist Church 25-19 and 25-13.

The team's blend of veteran savvy - led by Ricky Magness, Alicia Locke and Mickey Ralph - and instant chemistry - headlined by Chris and Julia Rhoady and Eric and Bee Esparza - has been enough to fuel an undefeated start.

In Thursday's matchup, Eric Esparza set the tone with a run of serves, while Bee was buzzing around to keep the team in rhythm offensively. Chris Rhoady kept the intensity high with strong swings at the net and Ralph - before ceding his spot to his daughter, Brit, another standout performer - made play after play in the back row.

First Baptist had its best stretch late in the first set when Elliana Heintz stepped behind the service line. Trailing 22-10, she caught fire, recording seven consecutive aces as the deficit quickly disappeared and her team mounted a furious comeback.

Ultimately, First Baptist came up just short, and Old Testament Athletes rolled through the second set to keep their perfect record intact while leaving First Baptist still searching for its first win.

In other action, McMinnville Church of God opened the night by defeating Safe Harbor Church of God 25-20 and 25-14. With Moores on both sides of the court, it turned into a family affair that the home team was able to win, improving to 2-1 on the season.

The night ended with a pair of three-set thrillers. Called to Serve outlasted Rolling Acres BIC 25-12, 19-25 and 15-12, while Rock Island Church of Christ edged Covenant Fellowship Church 25-21, 21-25 and 15-10.

Upcoming Games

Tuesday, June 23

Safe Harbor Church of God vs. Cross Denominators, 5:30 p.m.
Covenant Fellowship Church vs. Old Testament Athletes, 6:30 p.m.
Rolling Acres BIC vs. McMinnville Church of God, 7:30 p.m.
Rock Island Church of Christ vs. Westwood Church of Christ, 8:30 p.m.

Standings

After two weeks of play

Old Testament Athletes 3-0
Cross Denominators 2-0
Rock Island Church of Christ 2-0
Westwood Church of Christ 2-0
Called to Serve 2-1
McMinnville Church of God 2-1
Rolling Acres BIC 1-2
Covenant Fellowship Church 1-3
First Baptist Church 0-3
Safe Harbor Church of God 0-5