SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

Prep Volleyball Playoffs: Vancleave and East Central set to meet for the third time this year

A volleyball player wearing a white jersey with the number 12 is setting the ball high above her head, focusing on the game. In the background, there are spectators watching the match.
Vancleave’s Gia Burney (12) sets the ball in recent action. (Photo by Jackson Ranger)

By Sam Staff/Sports Writer

VANCLEAVE — Are you ready for the big showdown?

After each picked up wins in the opening round of the Class 5A South State volleyball Tuesday night, the stage is set for a third meeting of the year between arch-rivals Vancleave and East Central.

The Lady Bulldogs host the Lady Hornets in round three Thursday night in the Class 5A South State semifinal round. The winner will move on to play for the South State title with a berth in the overall Class 5A state finals on the line Monday night.

A volleyball player in a black and blue uniform diving to save the ball during a match, with teammates and spectators in the background.
Vancleave’s Mahea Hawthorne (1) dives for the ball in recent action. (Photo by Jackson Ranger)
A group of excited female volleyball players celebrating a point during a match, with one player jumping and raising her arms in the air, while others cheer and show joy.
Vancleave players celebrate a key point in recent action. (Photo by Jackson Ranger)
A volleyball player in a black and blue jersey with the word 'BULLDOGS' prepares to set the ball during a match, with spectators in the background.
Vancleave’s Hadleigh Hall (6) sets the ball in recent action. (Photo by Jackson Ranger)
A male coach in a blue shirt addresses a group of female volleyball players, while a female assistant coach listens attentively. The scene takes place in a gym with volleyball nets in the background.
Vancleave head coach Kyle Long speaks with his players during recent action. (Photo by Jackson Ranger)

In round one, Vancleave demolished visiting Brookhaven 3-0 (25-3, 25-4, 25-9) Tuesday night to move on. With the win, VHS moves to an impressive 34-6 overall on the year.

The win extended the Lady Bulldogs’ win streak to 21 straight games, after they finished a perfect 10-0 in Region 4-5A play to take the league title.

Also on Tuesday night, East Central hit the road to open the postseason and took an exciting 3-2 win over South Jones.

A volleyball player in a gray jersey and black shorts prepares to receive the ball, showing strong focus. Two teammates stand nearby, with one in a black uniform and another in a maroon and black uniform. The game is ongoing in a gymnasium filled with spectators.
East Central libero Savannah Hoak returns a shot in recent action as Lady Hornets Carly Ledbetter (2) and Jeanna Harris (7) look on. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A volleyball player wearing a black and maroon uniform prepares to set the ball during a game, with focused concentration and arms raised.
East Central’s Lila Gerrie sets up a shot in recent action. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
A volleyball player kneeling on the court, reaching for a ball that is in mid-air, with teammates in the background.
East Central’s Colby Smith digs out a shot in recent action. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)

With the win, ECHS moves to 25-12 overall as its heads to Vancleave for round two,

The Lady Bulldogs won the two previous meetings with the Lady Hornets this season, taking a 3-1 win at home five weeks ago and then a 3-0 road sweep two weeks later.

Elsewhere in Class 5A South, Purvis hosts Sumrall in the other semifinal match-up, The winner of that match faces either Vancleave or ECHS Monday for the South State final with a berth in the overall state finals round on the line.

A volleyball player wearing a black jersey with the number 2 jumps to spike the ball over the net, while teammates and spectators watch attentively in the background.
East Central’s Craley Ledbetter stretches out for a lob in recent action. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie)
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