SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

Prep Volleyball Playoffs: Vancleave slips past East Central in four exciting sets to move on

A group of volleyball players celebrating during a match, with three players raising their hands in excitement and a volleyball in the foreground.
Vavcleave’s (from left) Sophia Hollomon, Jayda Ferrill, Hadleigh Hall and Brenley Hunter react after a key point vs. East Central Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)

By Sam Staff/Sports Writer

VANCLEAVE — Vancleave survived an exciting five set match with arch-rival East Central Thursday night to move on to the Class 5A South States finals.

The home-standing Lady Bulldogs slipped past the Lady Hornets 3-2 (25-19, 25-18, 17-25, 25-18) in the South State semifinals. It marked the third win in three outings for VHS over ECHS this season.

A volleyball player in a black jersey with the number 4 is setting a volleyball during a match, with focused expression and teammates in the background.
Vavcleave’s Presleigh Tapp returns a shot vs. East Central Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)
Two volleyball players jumping to block a spike at the net during a match.
The East Central duo of Kaitlyn Hooks (left) and Aryana Hopkins defend a shot vs. Vavcleave Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)
Two female volleyball players in action during a game, one player is about to receive a serve while another looks on. The player receiving the ball is wearing a black jersey with blue accents, while the other player is in a white jersey.
Vavcleave’s Presleigh Tapp returns a shot vs. East Central Thursday night as Lady Bulldog Brenley Hunter reacts. (Photo by Steve Coleman)

Vancleave head coach Kyle Long’s crew will now host powerful Sumrall, the defending Class 5A state champions, Monday night at 6 p.m, with a berth to the overall Class 5A state championship round at stake.

Mahea Hawthorne registered 22 kills for Vancleave, Presleigh Tapp added 17 kills.  Sophia Hollomon had three serving aces, while Brenley Hunter recorded 23 digs. Hadleigh Hall registered 36 assists in the winning effort, while Tapp had 21 digs and Hawthorne 16 digs.

A volleyball player in a black uniform with pink sleeves is preparing to receive a volleyball during a match, with spectators in the background.
The East Central’s Lauren Pinkston returns a shot vs. Vavcleave Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)
A volleyball player in a black uniform with pink sleeves prepares to serve a volleyball in a gymnasium.
Grace Tanner of East Central sets up her serve vs. Vavcleave Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)
A female volleyball player in a white jersey prepares to serve a blue and gray volleyball during a game.
Vavcleave libero Brenley Hunter sets up her serve vs. East Central Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)

The Lady Bulldogs moved to a solid 35-6 overall, while East Central ends the campaign at 25-13.

Meanwhile, Sumrall stands 31-6 overall after sweeping past arch-rival Purvis 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-22) Thursday night.  

Sumrall knocked off Vancleave 3-0 last season in the South State semifinal round en route to taking the state title.

The winner of Monday’s Vancleave-Sumrall match-up will move on to face either Caledonia or New Hope Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m., at Robinson-Hale Coliseum in Clinton on the campus of Mississippi College for the overall Class 5A state championship.

Caledonia hosts New Hope Monday night for the North State crown.

A volleyball player in a white jersey dives to receive the ball during a game, while another player in a black jersey prepares to assist.
Vavcleave libero Brenley Hunter hits the hardwood to save a shot vs. East Central Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)
A young female volleyball player in a gray sports uniform and pink arm sleeves prepares to pass the ball during a game.
East Central libero Savannah Hoak sets up a shot vs. Vavcleave Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)
A volleyball player in a black jersey is diving to receive the ball on a court, while another player in a white jersey prepares to assist. Spectators are visible in the background.

Vavcleave’s Mahea Hawthorne digs out a shot vs. East Central Thursday night. (Photo by Steve Coleman)

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