Dillon Girls Defeat Academic Magnet For Chance At Lower State Title

It was an action-packed thriller as the Dillon Wildcat team fought valiantly to win a five-set match over Academic Magnet of Charleston.

Dillon took a commanding 2-0 lead and gave everyone the impression that they would take the the third set for the victory, but the tables turned. The young ladies of Academic Magnet fought brilliantly taking the next two sets forcing a final set between the two opponents with Dillon coming out on top.
The hotly contested battle between these young warriors began with Dillon taking the first set, 25-19, and the second set, 25-22. The third set was won by Academic Magnet, 25-22, and they also took the fourth set, 25-23.
It came down to the fifth set. The gymnasium was filled with excitement as fans were totally engulfed in the match. Dillon captured the victory 15-13 with Desi’ree McLain getting the match-saving block. McLain had 11 kills and three blocks for the night.
Da’Kerhia Samuel had 22 kills, four blocks, and and ace. Kristen McMillan had three aces, 10 assists, and 15 digs. Taylor Turner had three aces, 12 digs, and 20 assists. Johnna Rogers had 35 digs, Bailey Grossetti had 28 digs, and Sarah Johnson had 14 digs.
“This was a huge win for us,” said Coach Shirl Carter. “We have never made it beyond the third round. This is the first time we will be playing for Lower State. This was a whole team effort in the victory.”
“Everyone on our team stepped up some time during the game, to help with the victory. Desiree had the match saving block, and Da’Kerhia finished strong. Kristen and Taylor had strong digs,” Carter said.
“After winning the first two, the momentum changed and we lost the next two, but took the fifth. It was such a close match, it could have gone either way. We did not play our best game, however, we only had three missed serves the entire game.”
Academic Magnet Coach Sharon Williams said, “We had a great season. I enjoyed the game versus Dillon, which was an awesome game. Congrats go out to Dillon. I will miss #6 Bridget Tunney (libero) next season. She did an awesome job at the position all season. Also, Maryanna Reed, along with Caroline Mitchum, Semaj Fieldings, Isabel Eicher, Gabi Rauis, and Brynn Gerding played a big part in our success.”
Academic Magnet finishes with an 8-2 conference record, and overall record of 26-4.
Dillon now has a 20-1 record.
They will play Bishop England for the Lower State Championship at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in Dillon.