Newport Christian’s girls’ volleyball program has been a slow build, no obstacle bigger than its enrollment, and no asset greater than each other.

There are but 44 students enrolled in the private school, and 15 girls opted to play the sport this fall, producing a most special season.

It resulted in the program’s first league championship, and on Thursday, it ended with the Seahawks’ debut appearance in a CIF Southern Section quarterfinal.

Newport Christian’s standard-setting season concluded with a 28-26, 25-19, 25-16 loss to visiting Riverside La Sierra Academy, the third seed in the Division 11 bracket.

“It’s been quite a few years in the making,” said Newport Christian coach Jennifer McMains, who has led the Seahawks to two postseason berths in five years leading the program. “It just feels good that we have made it this far. We’ve stuck together. The past few years have just been growing years, so it’s like our hard work is finally paying off.”

The key contributors may all return, with only one senior on the roster.

Junior outside hitter Lexie Florea had a match-leading 12 kills for Newport Christian (13-4), which went unbeaten in winning the Academy League.

“We’re the first team to get a banner on the wall [of our gym],” McMains said of the feat.

The Seahawks carried a seven-match winning streak into the quarterfinals, including playoff wins over Los Angeles New Covenant Academy and Simi Valley Grace.

It might have gone on a little longer if the Seahawks had put away the first set. A mammoth serving run by sophomore Clarice Scaplen produced a 10-0 run — including three aces — as the hosts jumped out to a 16-5 advantage.

La Sierra Academy (13-9) battled back with consistency, keying in on Florea and covering the line. Outside hitter Kitsia Guardado proved equally valuable as a back-row passer, digging Florea’s attacks, and as a jump server, three aces playing a big part in a 6-0 run that brought the Knights back even at 23-23 in the latter stages. An ace by Ingrid Barreras closed out the extended set.

“I think the first set is what got us,” said McMains, calling it an “off” performance from the Seahawks overall.

Still, Scaplen’s serving run was not one to be overlooked.

“We started out strong,” McMains added. “With Clarice, she really needed that, especially, she’s been working hard on her serve. She has not been like that from the beginning of the season, so this run for her was a huge deal, and it helped her stay positive and got the team ready to go.”

Opposite Erika Osoria had 10 kills, three assists and two aces to lead La Sierra Academy. Aisha Gupta had 13 assists, and the Knights also dropped in a dozen aces, Guardado providing a team-best four.

La Sierra Academy, which plays at El Monte Arroyo in the semifinals, will be seeking its first CIF finals appearance.

“I think the best part is being able to work together with my teammates and see how far we’ve all come along,” Osoria said “... We can all play, but it’s about our chemistry on the court, and I think that has really helped us.”

Junior setter Isa Quilanita had 14 assists and an ace for Newport Christian. Junior middle blocker Genesis Williams added three kills, two aces and a solo block. Freshman libero Katie Florea’s defense also helped the Seahawks keep points alive.

Also in the CIF Southern Section girls’ volleyball playoffs:

Corona del Mar 3, Pasadena La Salle 1: Sofia Dajnowiec had 26 kills, seven digs and four aces to lead the visiting Sea Kings to a 25-20, 25-21, 16-25, 25-22 win on Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the Division 3 playoffs.

Savannah Dennis added 14 kills for CdM (24-9), which plays host to Crescenta Valley (30-10) in the semifinals at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Cooper Piercey contributed eight kills and three blocks. Isabella Spinella dished out 50 assists, and Livi Rosowski and Eden Brown each had seven digs.