Sumter, SC, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort Academy volleyball team secured their third state championship title in the SCISA Class 2A championship match against The King’s Academy. After losing the first set, the Eagles rallied with impressive performances in the subsequent sets, ultimately winning 3-1. Key players like Maddie Nelson and Claire Tumlin contributed significantly to the victory. This win underscores the team’s consistent success since 2017 and highlights their dominance in recent competitions.
Sumter, SC – The Beaufort Academy volleyball team emerged victorious in the SCISA Class 2A championship, defeating The King’s Academy 3-1. The championship match unfolded at Wilson Hall in Sumter.
The set scores for the match were 21-25, 25-14, 25-12, and 25-12. This victory marks Beaufort Academy’s third state championship title in the program’s history, with all three titles having been achieved since 2017.
Initially, the Eagles found themselves trailing after losing the first set to The King’s Academy. However, they rallied in the second set, overcoming an 8-7 deficit by winning 17 out of the next 24 points. Dominating performances in the third and fourth sets allowed them to secure their championship win.
Leading up to the championship, Beaufort Academy dropped only one set throughout the playoffs. In previous playoff encounters this season, the Eagles had already defeated The King’s Academy, winning with set scores of 25-18 and 25-20.
During the championship match, several players stood out. Maddie Nelson led the team with 16 kills, five blocks, and five digs. Olivia Dinkins contributed 11 kills and 10 digs, demonstrating her strong presence on the court. Claire Tumlin was key in facilitating plays, leading the squad with 19 assists and 21 digs, and adding eight kills and seven aces to her performance. Ava Nelson supported the team with 11 assists and four kills, while Naomi Puzzuoli played a critical defensive role, earning 12 digs and two aces.
This championship victory also highlights The King’s Academy’s second consecutive year as the state runner-up.
Background Context
The championship win is indicative of Beaufort Academy’s growing dominance in volleyball, particularly in recent years, reflecting a commitment to excellence in the sport. Since 2017, the Eagles have consistently performed well in competition, achieving remarkable success. The team’s journey through the playoffs, where they achieved a perfect 5-0 record in bracket play, showcases their skill and teamwork, ultimately leading them to this championship title.
Statistics Summary
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Match Result | Beaufort Academy 3, The King’s Academy 1 |
| Set Scores | 21-25, 25-14, 25-12, 25-12 |
| State Championships Won | 3 |
| Victories in Previous Encounter | 2 Over The King’s Academy |
| Key Player – Maddie Nelson | 16 kills, 5 blocks, 5 digs |
| Key Player – Claire Tumlin | 19 assists, 21 digs, 8 kills, 7 aces |
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the championship match?
The final score of the championship match was Beaufort Academy 3, The King’s Academy 1.
Where did the championship match take place?
The championship match took place at Wilson Hall in Sumter.
What were the set scores during the match?
The set scores were 21-25, 25-14, 25-12, and 25-12.
How many state championships has Beaufort Academy won?
This victory marks Beaufort Academy’s third state championship in program history.
How many sets did Beaufort Academy drop during the playoffs?
Beaufort Academy dropped only one set in the playoffs leading up to the championship.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Hilton Head Island Football Team Dominates Bishop England
Beaufort High School Volleyball Team Shines in Recent Matches
Beaufort High School Volleyball Teams Shine in Recent Matches
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Girls Volleyball – Eagles Making Their Move
- Google Search: Beaufort Academy volleyball
- MaxPreps: Volleyball Recap – Beaufort Academy Comes Up Short
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Island Packet: High School Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

