The first-ever athletic contest in school history as a member of the IHSAA was one to remember for the Lakeland Christian Academy volleyball team Monday night.

The Cougars outlasted Jimtown 3-2 in their 2012 season opener in Winona Lake.

A strong serving and defensive game, great play from its seniors and a top-notch performance from stellar setter Paige Price lifted LCA to the 25-18, 25-17, 19-25, 17-25, 15-11 win over the Jimmies.

Kathleen Sands, one of six seniors on the LCA varsity squad, had five blocks and three aces for the winners.   Sophomore Price had 16 assists and five kills for the Cougars.

It was also the season opener for Jimtown, which finished 21-13 overall and 6-1 in Northern State Conference play a year ago. The Jimmies, who have a new coach this season in Erica Dregits, return five letter winners from 2011.

Senior Kyndra Fowler led Jimtown with eight kills and two blocks. Junior setter Lacy Brown had 21 assists and five aces, while junior Ally Vicsik had seven kills and three aces and junior Logan Trosper 30 digs.

LCA coach Glenn Goldsmith, whose team finished with a losing record last season, was happy to start the campaign with a win.

“The varsity played very well,” said Goldsmith. “The seniors stepped up and played a great defensive game. Our overall offense was struggling tonight, but the serving saved the night. We had eight aces and a lot of balls that were played up but out of their offensive set plays.

“We scraped out a win against a tough team in Jimtown. When their offense picks up, they will be a tough match for future opponents.”

Jimtown won the JV match 25-18, 25-10.

LCA (1-0) returns right back to action at home Tuesday night. The Cougars host Whitko with the JV match at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity contest.  Jimtown (0-1) hosts Bethany Christian Tuesday night.