On Tuesday, September 16th, the Immanuel Christian Warriors traveled across town to face the Loretto Academy Angels in what is now officially known as the "Battle Between the Crosses." While the two programs have clashed many times before, this marked the first contest under the rivalry's new name, with the coveted "Cross Cup" on the line. The atmosphere was electric, heightened by a live broadcast on the El Paso Sports Network that allowed fans across the city to witness the birth of a tradition.

The Warriors rose to the moment, defeating the Angels in four sets (25–23, 18–25, 25–18, 25–19) to bring the Cross Cup back to Immanuel Christian. Addison Kern was a force at the net, recording 13 kills on 40 attempts to lead the Warriors' attack, while Carla Sousa-Travieso dominated offensively with 15 kills on 31 swings for a team-high .355 hitting percentage. Jade Garcia added eight kills to round out the balanced attack.

From the service line, Lucia Muñoz and Aubrie Donahue kept the pressure on Loretto, combining for 24 of the team's 49 serving points. Muñoz tallied 13 points on her own, while Donahue delivered 11 and picked up an ace. Lilia Ramirez provided steady playmaking, dishing out 33 assists and controlling the tempo of the offense.

Defensively, the Warriors showed grit. Yareli Lopez anchored the back row with 11 digs, while Ramirez (14) and Sousa-Travieso (18) frustrated the Angels with timely stops. The team finished with 58 total digs, repeatedly turning defense into transition scoring opportunities.

With the win, ICS now holds a 6–2 advantage over Loretto in the series since 2021, further cementing their upper hand in the rivalry. When the final point fell, the Warriors not only secured the victory but also etched their names in history as the inaugural winners of the Cross Cup. For the players, coaches, and fans, it was more than just a win—it was the beginning of a new chapter in El Paso high school volleyball.