No. 1 Marvin Ridge Defeats No. 6 Lake Norman Charter 3-1

Huntersville’s gymnasium hummed with tension as No. 1 Marvin Ridge faced No. 6 Lake Norman Charter. The top-seeded Mavericks defeated the hosts 3-1 on Wednesday, ending the Knights' historic 43-game winning streak.

The match tested both squads in front of a packed crowd. Marvin Ridge took the first and third sets decisively. Lake Norman Charter fought back to steal the second, but the Mavericks closed the fourth set to claim the victory.

Veteran Leadership Steers New Program

Coach Zoe Bell enters her first season at Marvin Ridge. She inherited a team that finished as state runners-up in 2024. Her record stands at 18-2 overall, marking her 13th consecutive win.

Bell, a five-time state champion, values the challenge of maintaining a successful program. She credits retired coach Brook Hammers for her mentorship. Their weekly calls keep Bell grounded as she navigates this new role.

Knights End Historic Winning Run

Lake Norman Charter coach Bethany Kiley welcomed the tough competition. Her team dropped to 18-1 after losing the 43-game streak. She views the defeat as a necessary lesson for upcoming playoffs.

Senior London Stewart led the Knights with 21 kills. Junior Julio Pacitto added 12 more. Kiley believes facing top-ranked opponents like Marvin Ridge will sharpen her squad’s performance moving forward.

Key Performers Drive Momentum

Marvin Ridge’s Victoria Simons recorded 13 kills. Junior Jamie Carnes matched that total. Senior Clara Drake served 14 winners to seal the victory for the Mavericks.

Simons was part of last year’s 32-2 championship team. She now commits to the College of Charleston. Her leadership anchors a group that Bell says is learning to make in-game adjustments.