Rock Island rises in standings
Krista Chisam continues to help Rock Island Church of Christ pick up big wins.
Krista Chisam seemed like she was going to be serving all night.
In one of the most pivotal matchups of Tuesday's four-game slate in Church League Volleyball, Chisam proved to be the difference as Rock Island Church of Christ seized control of second place with a straight-set victory over the Cross Denominators.
Chisam, who arrived just in time to help her team win a three-set thriller over Rolling Acres BIC to open the night, served 10 straight points to start what became a dominant 25-10, 25-19 statement victory over the Cross Denominators.
It came after Rock Island survived a nail-biter against Rolling Acres, winning 25-23, 21-25 and 16-14.
Chisam has emerged as one of the league's most impressive players and her serving is only part of the reason why. She's also one of the top setters in the league, aided by the army of big hitters Rock Island can roll out at the net, while covering the back row as well as anybody.
Early in the matchup with the Cross Denominators, it looked like Chisam and Jessie Young might end up playing a match of one-upmanship by themselves. After Chisam's 10-0 serving run, Young answered with a string of aces that cut the deficit to 10-5. A service error returned the ball to Rock Island though and the squad never looked back, rolling to the opening-set victory.
The second set showcased Rock Island's complete game. Logan McCormack and Charlie Moore delivered powerful swings at the net, while Autumn Turner made one of the night's defining plays with a diving save that erased what looked like a huge Cross Denominators rally and helped Rock Island regain control.
Anslee McCrary also played a key role, serving out the final points of the opening set before adding several big kills in the second.
In the opening match of the night, Rolling Acres nearly pulled off the upset behind another impressive effort from Mia Hobbs and strong play from the team's front-row hitters.
Ultimately, Chisam's arrival proved to be the turning point. Her impact in the deciding third set halted the momentum Rolling Acres built in the second and completed a perfect night for Rock Island, which finished the regular season at 7-2.
The Cross Denominators didn't leave empty-handed though. The group bounced back to beat Called to Serve 25-7 and 25-18, leaning on Young's all-around brilliance, the serving of Holly Palombo and Chelsea Cope and the hitting of Nick Cantrell, Emily Davis and Justin Bouldin.
Rolling Acres also bounced back in the nightcap, defeating First Baptist Church 25-8 and 25-14 for its third victory of the season.
With only one night of regular-season action remaining, plenty is still left to be decided in the standings.
The Old Testament Athletes enter next Tuesday's action in first place at 7-1, but they'll need a win over Safe Harbor Church of God at 8:30 p.m. to lock up the No. 1 seed for the tournament.
Westwood Church of Christ can force a tiebreaker for the No. 2 seed by beating Called to Serve at 7:30 p.m., while Called to Serve could climb into a three-way tie for fourth with a victory.
The night's opening match will also have postseason implications as Covenant Fellowship Church and Rolling Acres BIC battle for seventh place.
The tournament begins Tuesday, July 28 and concludes Thursday, July 30.
Standings
Old Testament Athletes 7-1
Rock Island Church of Christ 7-2*
Westwood Church of Christ 6-2
Cross Denominators 5-4*
McMinnville Church of God 5-4*
Called to Serve 4-4
Covenant Fellowship Church 3-5
Rolling Acres BIC 3-5
First Baptist Church 2-7*
Safe Harbor Church of God 0-8
Teams who are finished with regular season matchups are marked with *
