Standing: Sydney Boulware, Emma Castles, Mikaela Miller, Riley Simpson, Anna Taylor Mathias, Caleigh Caldwell, Meredith Pope, Maggie Hughes, Taylor Spires and Kaeleigh Dukes. Squatting: Gracie Atkerson, McKenzie Wilson and Shaley Ryan. | @RichardWinn66 Instagram
MYRTLE BEACH – After a tough regular season schedule, Richard Winn volleyball took third place in Region I-A standings and in the Region I-A tournament on Oct. 13. The Lady Eagles defeated last-ranked Anderson Christian in the region tournament to advance to the semi-final match against Cambridge Academy. Cambridge, who had already defeated the Eagles twice during the regular season, took the tournament match and eliminated Richard Winn.
The Eagles got their chance for redemption at the SCISA State Playoffs last weekend. Richard Winn entered the tournament with a 7 – 8 record and faced top-seeded Cathedral Academy in the first round. Cathedral won a tight 31-29 first set and 25-16 second set to give the Eagles their first loss of the tournament and out them in an elimination-game rematch against region foe Cambridge.
The Eagles took an early lead in the first set and didn’t look back, sending Cambridge back to Greenwood with a 0-2 record in the first day of state tournament play.
Next, Richard Winn set their sights on Low Country Prep for their third match of the day. The Eagles again took an early lead in the first set and finished with a 25-14 win, but dropped a tight second set 23-25. In a win-or-go-home set, the Lady Eagles squeaked past Low Country Prep for a 32-30 win, and stayed alive for an appearance in day two of the tournament.
Saturday morning brought a rematch with top-seeded Cathedral Academy. Cathedral took the first set 25-17 and the second 25-16, dashing the Eagles’ playoff run.
The Eagles wrapped up the season with a 9-10 record. Seniors Gracie Atkerson and Caleigh Caldwell earned All-Region honors, and Atkerson was named to the Region Tournament team.
Cathedral finished the tournament with no losses and take the state title game.
