As the local volleyball teams prepare to enter tough area tournaments and the ultra-competitive state tournaments, they are facing the best competition they can.

Starr’s Mill took on Sandy Creek and Columbus at Sandy Creek on Tuesday. It defeated Sandy Creek 25-19, 25-23 and Columbus in three games 25-23, 19-25, 25-20.

Sandy Creek then lost to Columbus in three games, 25-27, 25-23, 25-20.

The Lady Panthers, currently ranked No. 2 in Class AAAA, got good play from Mary Chaudoin, Alexis Shaffer, Chrissy Culp and Angela Jubb, while Sandy Creek was led by Olympia Haney, Cheri Smith and Jennifer Dunn.

Sandy Creek is ranked third in Class AAA. Columbus is the top-ranked team in Class AAA.

Starr’s Mill played at Landmark Christian, ranked sixth in Class AA/A, Thursday after the paper went to press.

McIntosh is the new top-ranked team in Class AAAA. In their last eight matches, the Lady Chiefs are 7-1. They have defeated Marist (25-21, 25-23), Kennesaw Mountain (29-27, 25-19), Oconee County (25-17, 25-21), Westminster (25-22, 25-18), Woodward Academy (24-26, 26-24, 25-22), Chapel Hill and Kell (26-24, 25-21).

Their loss came against Northview last Saturday (25-19, 23-25, 17-25). The Lady Chiefs took on Decatur, Whitefield Academy and Westminster Thursday night at Westminster after the paper went to press.

The Area 3-AAAA tournament, featuring McIntosh (#1), Starr’s Mill (#2) and Whitewater (#7), will start next Thursday at McIntosh and will conclude Saturday at Starr’s Mill.

In area 3-AA/A, Landmark Christian lost to Jonesboro and Westminster last Thursday, while Our Lady of Mercy beat Hebron Christian and lost to Fellowship Christian.

The Lady Bobcats defeated Greenforest and lost to Landmark Christian and Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Tuesday.

Our Lady of Mercy was led by freshmen Isabel Kurtz and sophomore Samantha Morris, who continue to step up and record kills and blocks. Kurtz had seven kills and six blocks on Tuesday night, while Morris had 11 kills and five blocks.

Mercy hosted Fayette County and Galloway Thursday night after the paper went to press.

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