No. 23 Crusaders Take 7-1 Record Into Road Match at Interlachen

First Baptist Christian Academy will try to extend its strong start when the Crusaders visit Interlachen at 6 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 10, in Interlachen, Florida. Ranked No. 23 in Class 1A by MaxPreps, First Baptist enters the matchup 7-1 overall and 1-0 in district play. Interlachen is 3-4, giving the Crusaders a chance to continue their winning form and strengthen their position in the rankings.

The First Baptist attack is led by Mia Reed, who has recorded 54 kills through Sept. 9. Mia Reed also leads the Crusaders with 2.5 kills per set and a .240 hitting percentage, making efficiency at the net a central storyline Thursday. London Walker provides another consistent option with 52 kills, just two behind the team lead, while Isabel Grey has added 29 kills. That balance could help First Baptist vary its attack and prevent Interlachen from focusing its defense on one hitter.

First Baptist’s ability to control first contact and apply pressure from the service line will also be important. Vanessa Shestakov is a server to watch, while the season totals show Vanessa Shestakov Fr leading the team with 29 aces. Vanessa Shestakov Fr has also directed the offense with 105 assists and leads the Crusaders with 36 digs. Violet Osterkamp has contributed 34 digs and 10 assists, Trinity Seaman has 33 digs and a team-high 51 receptions, and Madyson Alvarado has supplied 27 assists. Clean passing from Seaman and the back row should give the Crusaders more opportunities to use their leading hitters in favorable situations.

The matchup will test whether First Baptist can maintain steady serve receive, limit unforced errors and turn defensive touches into organized attacks on the road. A victory would move the Crusaders to 8-1 and preserve their momentum heading into another away match. First Baptist is scheduled to visit Warner Christian Academy at 6 p.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.