BLYTHEWOOD – It’s their first season in the SCISA 5A classification, but Westwood’s volleyball team seems like they’ve been here before. After finishing with a perfect 12-0 record in 5A Region 5 play, the Redhawks have now won 16 games in a row and will play for a spot in the 5A Division 2 State Semi-Finals tonight against Lucy Beckham.
Westwood (17-6) wrapped regular season play with a 3-0 shutout of Sumter on Oct. 17 and entered the 5A Division 2 playoffs as a two seed in the Lower State bracket. North Myrtle Beach (27-9) took the one seed for the Lower State.
Playoffs began Thursday, Oct. 31, but Westwood received a first round bye and got their first taste of action against St. James (No. 10) on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
After a tight 25-22 win in the first set, Westwood easily handled the Sharks in the second set with a 25-11 final. They knocked St. James out of playoff contention with their 25-19 win in the third set for the 3-0 match win.
Senior LSU commit Camryn Jeffery led the Redhawks in all stat categories but one. She finished with 22 kills, 12 digs, nine blocks, and three aces on the night. Senior setter Lilly Almada had 21 assists in the win.
With just three wins between Westwood and the 5A Division 2 State title, Lucy Beckham will be their next hurdle.
The Bengals boast a 30-2 record, but finished second in 5A Region 7 behind Wando High School. Their only losses of the season came at the hands of Wando, who is currently battling its way through the 5A Division 1 bracket.
Westwood hosts Lucy Beckham tonight at 6 p.m. at the Castle. A loss will end their season, but a win will put the Redhawks in a Nov. 12 semi-final match against the winner of North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach.