SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

Prep Volleyball Playoffs: OLA and Resurrection set to host South State title tilts Monday night

Three volleyball players in black uniforms celebrate on the court. The player in the center, wearing number 14, is animatedly speaking while the player on the left, wearing number 2, smiles and gestures. The player on the right, wearing number 22, looks towards the other two, with a hair ribbon visible.
OLA players (from left) Madeline Piazza, Leah Laporte and Zoey Bever react after a key point for the Crescents. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

By Curtis Rockwell/Sports Director

There are two “Southern Six” squads left standing in the three smallest classifications of play as the prep volleyball season enters its final week of the season.

And both will be hosting their respective South State championship matches Monday night.

A volleyball player in a black uniform prepares to set the ball in a gymnasium adorned with a motivational fight song banner.
OLA’s Madelyn Kinniburgh sets up her serve in recent action for the Crescents. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A volleyball player in a white uniform is preparing to receive a ball in a gymnasium, while another player in a black uniform stands nearby. Spectators are visible in the background.
OLA libero Mackenzie Knobloch returns a shot in recent action for the Crescents. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

Defending Class 3A state champ OLA is taking on fellow Region 8-3A foe Presbyterian Christian with a berth in the overall state finals round at stake.

The Crescents are 29-10 overall, and coming off of a solid 3-0 (25-9, 25-14, 25-12) sweep of visiting Seminary in the Class 3A South State semifinal round Thursday night.

OLA got an impressive 19 kills out of versatile, multi-sport junior standout Taylor Henley in the win, while both Madeline Piazza and Lola Haas recorded 19 digs each. Kaylin Kinniburgh added 21 assists to the winning effort as well.

PCS comes in at 22-11 overall, after dispatching St. Patrick 3-1 (18-25, 25-12, 25-14, 25-16) Thursday night. The Lady Bobcats finished second in Region 8-3A this season and the Lady Irish were the third seed, both finishing behind OLA.

A volleyball player in a blue uniform jumps to spike the ball over the net, while two opponents in black uniforms attempt to block the shot.
OLA players (from left) Claire Cleveland and Leah Laporte defend a shot in recent action for the Crescents. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
Two volleyball players diving to save a ball during a match, with one player reaching out and the other adjusting her position. Another teammate stands ready in the background.
OLA’s Madelyn Kinniburgh (8) and Kaylin Kinniburgh return a shot in recent action for the Crescents. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A volleyball player in a blue uniform jumping to set the ball over the net, while an opposing player in black reaches up to block the shot. Spectators can be seen in the background.
OLA’s Krissi Pavolini goes up for a kill in recent action for the Crescents. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

This will be the third match of the season between OLA and PCS, and the Crescents swept to two previous meetings.

The winner of South State will meet either Belmont or Kossuth Friday afternoon for the Class 1A state championship at A.E. Wood Coliseum in Clinton on the campus of Mississippi College.

Meanwhile, in Class 1A, Resurrection hosts Salem Monday night for the South State championship.

A female volleyball player in a blue and black uniform prepares to serve the ball while looking up. In the background, spectators watch the game, and championship banners hang on the wall.
Resurrection’s Mary Margaret Miller sets up a shot for the Lady Eagles. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A volleyball player jumps to spike the ball while another player prepares to receive. An official is seated on a high chair overlooking the court, with spectators in the background.
Resurrection’s Miranda Damian returns a shot as Lady Eagle Caroline Pulley reacts in recent action. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A female volleyball player wearing a blue jersey and black shorts is jumping to serve the ball over the net, while an official with a whistle observes from the sidelines. In the background, banners representing various state championships are displayed.
Resurrection’s Mary Margaret Miller taps a shot back for the Lady Eagles. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A volleyball player in a blue jersey jumps to spike the ball over the net, while two opposing players attempt to block. The gymnasium backdrop features banners and sports-themed decor.
Resurrection’s Tatum Willcut sends a shot back in recent action for the Lady Eagles. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

Resurrection comes in at 19-10 overall, while Salem is 25-5 overall.

The Lady Eagles wept Riverside 3-0 Thursday night in the Class 1A South State semifinals.

The winner of the RCS-Salem match will meet either Tupleo Christian Prep or Ingomar Friday afternoon for the Class 1A state championship at A.E. Wood Coliseum in Clinton on the campus of Mississippi College.

Tupleo Christian Prep faces Ingomar for the Class 1A North State title Monday night.

A volleyball player dives on the court to receive a ball during a game, wearing a light blue jersey and black shorts, with teammates and spectators in the background.
Resurrection Caroline Pulley digs out a shot in recent action for the Lady Eagles. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
Two volleyball players on the court, one preparing to set the ball and the other looking up, with a referee and spectators in the background.
Resurrection’s Caroline Pulley sets up a shot as Lady Eagle Mary Margaret Miller looks on for the Lady Eagles. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A volleyball player jumps to serve a ball, with teammates looking on in a gymnasium decorated with championship banners.
Resurrection’s Tatum Willcut sends a shot back for the Lady Eagles. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
SouthMiss6 Avatar

Published by

SouthMiss6
Categories:

Leave a Reply

Discover more from SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading