Coming off a hard-to-swallow five-set loss to Horizon Honors, Valley Christian faced another difficult task Tuesday in undefeated Northwest Christian.

For the Trojans, it was another disappointment. Valley Christian (3-5) was sweep in three sets and is now on a twp-game losing streak.

“I think that it was a really difficult transition after losing in five,” said outside hitter Abigail Calicchio. "You work so hard to try and win that fifth game and losing is really tough. Then having to come in to play an undefeated team. They are amazing and a really good team. It was really a test of our mental toughness that showed us that we really need to forget about the past and look forward to now.”

The Crusaders (7-0) won this game behind Reagan Hope, who outplayed the Trojan defense and now has 157 kills.

The Trojans had a ton of errors that undermined them.

“I think that we really just need to come out with a ton of energy every single set and every single minute,” said freshman Cara Braun said. "We really need to focus on just working as a team.”

The dynamic duo of Braun and Calicchio combined for 10 kills, two aces, one block and 11 digs.

“Cara and Abby are two of my most consistent, mentally tough and competitive players,” coach Lindy Ramsland said."I need them on the court at all times. Cara has the hard-hit so a lot of the girls on the opposing team can not pass her hit. Abby plays the ball better than anyone else, and she is very versatile for the team.”

Sophomore opposite Emma Richardson led the team with eight kills and the “setter sisters” - Emma and Abby - combined for 21 assists.

Middle blockers Breanna Brooks, Ella Womack and Autianna Land combined for three kills, one block and three digs.

“We knew that it was going to be a hard game,” Ramsland said. "We played a really good team and they are probably the best team we're are going to see this season. It really explains our weak spots which sucks but it makes my job easiers.''