For the first time in school annals, student-athletes at Grace Baptist Christian Academy of Attleboro claimed both Most Valuable Player awards presented by the Massachusetts Association of Christian Schools following its annual autumn state tournaments.

          Junior Lee Nichols was named MVP of the boys’ soccer state tournament (won by GBCA) and senior Jamie Emerson earned the same distinction in girls’ volleyball. Both tournaments were held in Mansfield and won by GBCA.

          A forward, Nichols netted two goals for the Centurions during their 9-0 semifinal-round victory over Open Bible Academy of Burlington and followed up with a four-goal outing in a 9-0 triumph over Twin City Christian School of Lunenburg in the state final. He later handed out three assists in GBCA’s 5-3 win over Emmanuel Christian Academy of Newington, Conn., in the semifinal-round of the New England Region Tournament and was held scoreless when GBCA bowed to Trinity Christian Academy of Concord, N.H., 2-0, in the regional final.

          A skilled setter, hitter and server, Emerson spearheaded GBCA’s surge to a second straight MACS State Tournament crown with back-to-back 3-0 victories over Twin City and New England Baptist Academy of West Bridgewater. She later excelled in the regional tourney despite the Centurions’ two losses in the event.