Another week on the hardwood and another flawless week for the Eagles as East Marion tightened its grip on volleyball Class 1A/3A Region 7.
Although the Eagles have been the class of the district, Columbia had a huge week to gain ground on Salem, which is just half a game up on the Wildcats in the district standings. The top two make the playoffs.
West Marion, meanwhile, has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
East Marion
Although the Eagles improved to 17-1 and remained undefeated in district last week, it was not easy for East Marion.
The Eagles needed all five sets after dropping the first two to come up with a 3-2 win over Salem Sept. 26 (27-29, 23-25, 25-16, 25-10 and 15-13). Tytianna Porter had a career-high 24 kills to pace the Eagles, while Farae Jackson had 22 assists and Hope Cook had 19 digs and served nine aces.
It was much smoother sailing for the Eagles last Thursday on the road against West Marion, sweeping the Trojans 25-14, 25-13 and 25-14. Porter led the charge with 14 kills, while McKinley Norman had nine aces and Jackson had 14 assists.
The Eagles were on the road Tuesday against Amite County (results unavailable) and host Tylertown today at 6:30 p.m.
Columbia
Columbia forced its way back into the playoff conversation last week with two key wins, improving to 9-13, but more importantly, 5-3 in district play.
On Sept. 26 at home against Tylertown, the Wildcats cruised to a 3-1 (25-11, 22-25, 25-15 and 25-18) win. Sadie Willis led the way 14 kills, followed by Trena Tran and Kennedy Newsom with nine apiece. Morris led the defense with 12 digs, while Tran set up the offense with 28 assists.
The Wildcats continued that momentum with a 3-0 (25-7, 25-11 and 25-16) road sweep over Amite County last Thursday. Willis once again led the offense with 11 kills, while Tran had 24 assists and seven aces. Dariel Racasner led the defense with eight digs.
Columbia was at home Tuesday night (results unavailable), hosting Salem in a match that could very well decide the second Region 7 representative in the playoffs. The Wildcats return home Thursday to conclude district play against West Marion at 6 p.m.
West Marion
West Marion (6-10, 3-5) cruised to a 3-0 sweep over Amite County Sept. 26 (25-8, 25-9 and 25-15) in an effort to make up ground in the district standings.
But that effort would be for naught as the Trojans fell prey to East Marion at home last Thursday.
The Trojans hosted Tylertown Tuesday and will finish up district play Thursday against Columbia.
Pictured Above: Brittany Dearman spikes the ball against West Marion. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
