OBA volleyers fall to No. 1 Christian Heritage at state

SAND SPRINGS — No. 8 Oklahoma Bible Academy “gave everything we could" before falling to No. 1-ranked Christian Heritage 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-12) in a first-round Class 3A state volleyball tournament game Thursday.

“We can walk away with our heads held high knowing we did everything we could," said Lady Trojans coach Randy Roth. “I can’t think of anything we could have done differently. The girls left everything out there.



I really proud of them." OBA (26-13) had taken a 16-15 lead in the second set after Brianna Colby served for five straight points before the Crusaders rallied in the end. The first set had gone back and forth (14-14) until CHA had a couple of two- to three-point runs which made the difference, Roth said.

The Crusaders, ranked No. 1 all season, took over the third set. “We poked the bear," Roth said.

“They are ranked No. 1 for a reason. They flexed their muscles and were really impressive.

We tried to throw a couple of different things at them. They are just really good." Colby, who has led OBA to two state basketball tournaments, stood out, Roth said.

“She has a ton of playoff experience," Roth said. “She was not fazed by the moment." Colby, Aaliyah Hopper, Karson Jenkins, Elexis Pendleton and Kara Martin played their final match as Lady Trojans.

Caroline Caldwell was a senior manager. OBA was in the state tournament for the first time since 2020. “Our seniors led us back here," Roth said.

“They had to weather some adversity (moved up to 4A the last two years). They stepped it up for us to get here. It was a huge accomplishment.

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