Scottsdale Christian Academy's successful day of pool play in the first day of the Nike Tournament featured a victory over reigning 5A state champion Sunnyslope and a memorable spike.

Lauren Ohlinger, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter, displayed her thunderous power throughout the match with 15 kills but there was one shot that displayed her strength.

In the first set with the Eagles ahead 8-7, Ohlinger jumped to attack the ball with so much power it ricocheted off a defender and hit Sunnyslope’s coach in the face.

That set the tone for a 25-17, 25-22 sweep for the reigning 2A state champs. They went 2-1 in pool play and advanced to the next stage Saturday.

“I'm very happy with the performance, we came in not knowing what to expect.” coach Kim Ohlinger said.

“I think we came out really strong and determined. That was the word today for the tournament. It was determination and I think that we showed heart when we played.”

Scottsdale Christian started off with a win in straight sets vs. Pine Crest from Florida, 25-17 and 25-21. Ohlinger led the team with eight kills. Junior Taylor Raiola added a few kills and also served six straight aces.

Taylor just enjoyed the moment.

“I think I just like went back there and I was just having fun and I didn't really think much of it. I just kept just going back there and served,” Taylor said.

With two wins in the first two matches, the Eagles came in as the favorite against Oregon’s Jesuit but were beaten in straight sets 25-21 and 25-15. The Eagles could never get going. Their spark from the first two matches was not there.

Ohlinger deemed the loss a learning experience.

“What I think it does for us, it kind of exposes our weaknesses. When you play a team at that level, at that tempo with that many high level kids on it, it just exposes what you need to work on. So it's actually a gift.” Ohlinger said.

The Eagles begin the second stage of the tournament on Saturday against Marymount.