University Charter School built a 24-21 lead and needed one more point to win the second set and tie the Class 1A volleyball championship match against Spring Garden.

Some teams would have looked at the scoreboard and accepted the long odds of mounting a comeback. Not Spring Garden, a team that arrived at Bill Harris Arena wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Garden Grit” on the front.

“We’ve been down even worse (this season),” Spring Garden junior Ace Austin said. “We’re not going to quit. Nobody on this team is going to quit. We’ve always been known to fight. That’s how we do it.”

The Panthers (54-5) reeled off five straight points to take the second set 26-24. Suddenly, instead of the Trailblazers knotting the championship match at 1-all, the Panthers held a commanding 2-0 lead.

UCS never recovered, as the Panthers dominated the third set and earned a 25-12, 26-24, 25-12 victory, giving Spring Garden its first state volleyball title since 2007.

“This is an unbelievable group,” said Spring Garden coach Ricky Austin, Ace’s father. “I’m just glad my path crossed with their path. I’m along for the ride.”

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History lesson: Despite the loss, the Trailblazers (35-5) became the first team from a charter school in any sport to play for an AHSAA state championship.

Coachspeak: “This team battled all season and showed a lot of resilience. I could not be more proud.” – UCS coach Stephanie Gaither

“This is a great day. Yesterday was a great day, being able to beat Addison, and (now) to take the next step in our program.” – Ricky Austin, referencing the semifinal-round victory over defending champ Addison, a team that beat the Panthers in last week’s North Super Regional

Stat sheet: Spring Garden – Ace Austin finished with 26 kills and added 14 digs to win the Tournament MVP award, and setter Avery Steward handed out 40 assists. Chloe Rule added 10 kills, Layla Ingram had 22 digs, and Maggie Jarrett had five kills and 16 digs. … UCS – Ella Grace Larkin tallied eight kills and 10 digs, and Maddy Gullahorn added six kills. Brinkli Wood had four kills and nine digs, and Ava LaCoste contributed 18 digs.

Did you know? Spring Garden also won the 2023 1A girls basketball championship back in March. “Basketball starts next week,” said Ricky Austin, who also coaches girls basketball.

All-tournament team: Ella Grace Larkin and Ava LaCoste, University Charter School; Chloe Rule, Avery Steward and Layla Ingram, Spring Garden; Tournament MVP – Ace Austin, Spring Garden