Volleyball ends for most of us when we pack up the car and leave the beach. The fun was just beginning for our local high school volleyball teams as they headed to their area tournaments. Starr's Mill, Sandy Creek and Landmark faced their area opponents Saturday afternoon at Creekside High School.

The seedings going into the tournament put Woodward Academy first, Landmark Christian second and Starr's Mill third. That's the way the tournament ended too.

Landmark won their first two games against Westlake and Sandy Creek without much problem. The War Eagles had excellent serving from Lindsay Heuser and Eileen Chang while Wendy Weaver and Jacqueline Pickett had several excellent hits. Landmark then faced Woodward and lost, sending them into the loser's bracket. Landmark had to face Starr's Mill for another shot at Woodward this Tuesday and a bid for the state tournament. There was excellent serving from C.J. Eisenberg and great defense from Celeste Lee, Kim Graves, Alex White and Katie Baird. The team effort was what it took for Landmark to nail their victory and earn them a spot in the state tournament on Oct. 17.

Starr's Mill played very well in the tournament however. They handled Creekside in their first match on Saturday, winning by scores of 15-6 and 15-5. Brooke Snelling served for four points in the first game including a serve for an ace. Starr's Mill then played Woodward Academy and lost, 5-15 and 0-15. The loss put the Panthers in the loser's bracket where they faced Troup County and Creekside. They won both matches in two games by scores of 15-5, 15-5 and 15-1 and 15-8 respectively. There was excellent play from Eva Massmann and Teri Cobb in the win. Starr's Mill was then left to face Landmark for a chance to meet Woodward again and the chance for a bid to the state tournament. Landmark defeated the Panthers 15-3 and 15-7. Lauren Kagle finished with 29 overall points for the Panthers in the tournament .

The Panthers had an excellent season. This was the first year the school played a varsity volleyball schedule and they ended the season and ended the tournament with a number three seeding in their area. Dara Whitesell displayed excellent passing in the tournament while Robin Getty saw the most playing time all year this weekend with her damaging floater serve. Barring any transfers, the entire Panther squad will be back next year with a little revenge on their mind.

As for Sandy Creek, the Patriots probably played their best game of the season Saturday against Troup County. There was excellent serving, passing and hitting for the Patriots. The great play continued into their next match with Landmark, but unfortunately they lost in two games.

"Landmark is a little above our level."Coach Amy Halda explained. After the loss to Landmark, Sandy Creek faced Creekside in the loser's bracket and lost in two games. Sandy Creek entered the tournament as the fourth seed and left the tournament as the fifth seed.

It's not all bad though. Sandy Creek returns everybody on their team with the exception of two seniors. Meanwhile, the Patriots have two freshmen who are developing into superstars. Next season should hold many surprises for high school volleyball. Start the countdown now.

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