For the second time in three years, the Catawba Ridge Copperheads boys’ volleyball team is headed to the state championships.
Catawba Ridge swept the Eastside Eagles 3-0 (25-19, 25–12, 25-18) to win the Upper State Championship and improve to 25-4-2 overall on the season.
“I didn’t come in expecting to win 3-0,” said Copperheads head coach Ross Lisee. “Practice has been competitive. The guys have been practicing hard. To win this two of the last three years is a huge accomplishment and that’s a testimony to the guys. I feel good. The guys are confident.”
Catawba Ridge will now play for a state championship at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at AC Flora High School in Columbia against the Socastee Braves, who are 25-7 overall, and beat Lucy Beckham in the Lower State Championship.
The Copperheads jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the opening set. Eastside took a timeout to try and rebound from the slow start, but out of the timeout, Catawba Ridge stayed on the attack got to balls that the Eagles thought would score them points.
Eastside stayed within striking distance of the Copperheads and closed to within three at 15-12.
Eastside pulled within two at 19-17 and the Copperheads took a timeout to slow their momentum. Out of the timeout, Catawba Ridge scored four of six points to widen their lead before closing out the first set.
The second set started closer as both teams traded points to begin. Catawba Ridge was able to take a small 10-6 lead before an Eagles timeout.
The Copperheads remained strong out of the timeout and didn’t give up any momentum. Not only was Catawba Ridge able to get kills, but scored off blocks as well.
Catawba Ridge continued to get stronger as the set went on going up 21-11 before closing the set out and going up 2-0.
Like the first set, the Copperheads started the third set streaking out to a 6-2 lead. And just like in the first set, the Eagles called a timeout. As the set wore on, Catawba Ridge’s strength at the net showed through as the kills piled up.
Eastside kept it competitive as they stayed within striking distance, but whenever Catawba Ridge needed a kill, they would find a way to get it. The Copperheads remained strong as they would close out the third set to win the match.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
