By Sedrick Bolton III October 15, 2022
JONESBORO A total of 12 matches were played today amongst eight teams, but only four could go to state and one crowned champion. The end of the tournament saw Woodward Academy being the only undefeated team and taking home the trophy.
Matchups for the first round of the playoffs included: Woodward Academy-Alcovy, Lovejoy-Rockdale County, Morrow-Forest Park, Jonesboro-Mundy's Mill.
Winner's Bracket
Loser's Bracket
Rockdale County placed third in the tournament with their victory over Morrow. Both teams still advance to the state tournament.
Woodward Academy and Jonesboro competed in a three-set match. The Lady War Eagles took the first set 25-21. Key efforts from setter Francesca Panunizo and rightside hitter Jordan Price helped them get the edge late in the set.
Woodward took an early 11-7 lead in the second set with Panunizo continuing to set up her teammates with kills, even using the backwards set to fake out Jonesboro. But Panunizo's kill brought a long deliberation on wether it was legal or not. After the discussion, her kill was taken away and the Lady Cardinals were awarded the point, which completely turned the tide of the set.
Khole Rainey of the Lady Cardinals was instrumental in this run. She was the setter and hitter that, with contributions from senior Ja'Mya Shoemaker and sophomore Aniyah Parks, helped Jonesboro take the second set 25-15.
Down to the final set, Woodward halted a late comeback from the Lady Cardinals and won 15-10. Price made her presence known in the third set with quick, powerful kills to motivate her team.
Per the GHSA website, the first round of the state volleyball tournament will begin October 18.
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