The varsity volleyball team opened their season on Saturday at the Cherokee Bluff First Level Invitational.  Pool play included two matches.  An opener against South Gwinnett that was a 25-12, 25-9 victory for the Golden Lions.  The team was led by 5 kills each from Senior Bella Gratch and Freshman Courtlyn Richard.  Freshman Landry Hess had 4 kills on only 4 swings hitting 1.000 for the match.  The second pool play match saw the team battle a very game host team in Cherokee Bluff.  Both sets were won by the slimmest margin possible, one in overtime.  The 25-23, 26-24 victory was pulled out as a result of a near double-double from Freshman Stella House with 11 kills and 9 digs.  The victories garnered the team a bye into the semi-finals where they faced North Gwinnett.  The 25-15,25-21 win was led by Senior Sofia Ziran who had 11 digs, 3 aces and 3 assists to pace the defensive effort and 6 assists and 3 aces from Sophomore Eveliina Campbell.  Despite 7 kills from House and 6 each from Richard and Sophomore Claire McEnaney, the team was unable to hold on in the finals despite a great come from behind victory in set one.  They fell 26-28,25-15,15-11 to North Cobb to finsh as tournament runner-up.  The Golden Lions are next in action on Tuesday at Greater Atlanta Christian.