Fledgling Grovetown captures area crown

Volleyball at Grovetown is undoubtedly a young program. The team is in its second year -- as is the school -- and it began the season with players who had little to no experience on the court.

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On Saturday, the Warriors didn't let that small detail stand in their way. They finished off a run through the Area 3-AAA Tournament, sweeping Westside in three games to earn the school's first region title in any sport.

"I was ecstatic, jumping up and down with them," second-year coach Amy Slagle said. "It's awesome. They did it. ... That's history right there."

Grovetown lost both regular-season meetings with Westside but came up with the victory when it mattered most.

Grovetown topped Butler on Thursday and Harlem on Friday to advance to the semifinals and clinch a spot in the state playoffs.

On Saturday morning, Grovetown defeated Cross Creek to advance to the finals.

With the tournament victory, Grovetown will be home for its first-round state playoff match against North Atlanta.

Area title eludes Knights after reaching finals

Evans' volleyball squad advanced to the championship match Saturday in the Area 2-AAAA Tournament at South Effingham High School.

It was an achievement the Knights had accomplished two of the past three years.

Evans came up just short, falling 25-14, 25-27, 25-17 to Glynn Academy.

"We did well, but we didn't do well enough" to win, said Evans coach Lane Schuckers, whose team will open the state playoffs at home Thursday. "I'd like to see us go deep into the playoffs. We have the opportunity and the ability. It's just a matter of how far we can go."

Earlier in the day, Glynn Academy beat Evans 25-15, 28-30, 25-20. The Knights then defeated Greenbrier 25-18, 25-18 to advance to the finals.

Greenbrier finished third and will go on the road for the first round of the state playoffs against Clarke Central. Evans will face Flowery Branch.