The Lady Raiders of Pungo Christian Academy started their 2019 season with a home victory against Christ Covenant on Friday afternoon under the leadership of new head coach and former Lady Raider, Melanie Eddleman.

Despite a slow start the Lady Raiders went on to win all three sets, 25-12, 25-14, 25-16.

Leading the Raiders with 5 kills was junior middle-hitter Lauren Kellie Ricks with the assistance of senior setter, Ashley Spencer who had a total of 7 assists in the victory.

Service points played a major role in defeating the Spartans as freshman Reagan Stoop lead the Raiders with 21 total service points. The junior varsity team also started their season off with a home victory against the Spartans by winning the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-15.

The Lady Raiders have a jam-packed 21-game schedule that includes trips to Christ Covenant, Unity Christian Academy and will host Ocracoke outside of all of their conference match-ups.

The Lady Raiders have four senior leaders on this year’s team with Brandi Garrish, Ashley Spencer, Parker Williams and Josie Hudnell.

Last season, the junior-laden bunch hoisted the conference title after defeating Ridgecroft in the conference tournament, 3-0. They defeated Ridgecroft again in the state playoffs, while owning a 14-5 overall record, going 8-4 in the conference, before being ousted in the third round by Cresset Christian Academy.

The seniors will definitely have their sights set on another conference championship, with a deep run in the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association State tournament in mind.

The next match for the varsity team will host the Raiders of Hobgood Academy on Aug. 20 for the first conference home game of the season, following the middle school game starting at 4:00 p.m.