Four teams entered the state volleyball playoffs in their respective classifications last week and only one has survived to make the final four this week, McIntosh High School’s Lady Chiefs.

McIntosh demolished two region champions Saturday, winning seven straight games en route to the semi-finals of the AAAA state volleyball playoffs.

Jonesboro arrived with a 32-2 record and a first place finish in area 3. The Lady Chiefs, toughened from playing top rated teams throughout the season, had no trouble with the Cardinals. McIntosh jumped out early and breezed to a convincing 25-13, 25-10 victory. Danielle Crawford led McIntosh with eight kills. Andrea Lowery scored five kills and seven service aces.

The Ringgold Tigers, champions of area 7, joined McIntosh in the winners’ bracket after thrashing Clarke Central in their opener. The Lady Chiefs sent a message early when Samantha Krehel blocked Ringgold’s big middle hitter and combined with Leigh Moyer on another block. McIntosh streaked to a 25-13 win in the first game and showed off its bench strength while winning the second game 25-18. Megan Cheatham tallied 27 assists, primarily setting outside hitters Crawford and Leah Thompson.

Ringgold knocked off Jonesboro and earned a spot in the championship game. The final was a best three of five and at first it looked like momentum might have shifted away from McIntosh. The Tigers built a 14-10 lead in the first game before the Chiefs staged a comeback. With Lowery and Kendall Wilde serving and Krehel taking over the net, McIntosh won 10 of 11 points. The rally left the Chiefs with a 20-15 advantage. Thompson closed the first game with a kill in the 25-20 win.

The second game took on an air of desperation as Ringgold fought to prolong its season. The Chiefs, led by defensive specialist Kelsey Argumosa, dug several ferocious hits. Cheatham spread the ball around effectively, setting five different Chiefs for kills. At the end, Crawford and Thompson painted the lines on clutch points to seal a 25-23 victory. The final game lacked drama as the Chiefs closed out the day winning 25-18.

Coach Wendy Weaver was pleased with her team’s performance. “The girls did just what they needed to do today,” said Weaver. “They realize we have more to accomplish, and I feel like we are on track.”

McIntosh will play Marist Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Marist. The winner will take on the Chamblee – Woodward winner on Saturday for the state championship. Marist has won 20 of 21 matches since McIntosh beat them in September. Coach Weaver is hoping for a big turnout from McIntosh supporters.

“Fans who come to these remaining matches are going to see some first class volleyball.”

Fayette County lost to Lassiter (25-23, 25-10) and then lost to Kennesaw Mountain ().

Starr’s Mill opened the playoffs with a win over Pope but followed it with a loss in three games to Northview (25-17, 17-25, 25-20). The Panthers then defeated McEachern (25-23, 25-19) to get back into a game against Northview with the winner making the state semi-finals. Northview defeated Starr’s Mill in five games (14-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-10, 15-11).

Landmark Christian started the playoffs with a win over Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, 25-16, 25-18 but followed it up with a loss to Wesleyan, 25-14, 25-20. The Lady War Eagles took on the Lady Chargers from Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy once again, winning 25-13, 25-20 and in the game to advance to the state semi-finals, Wesleyan defeated Landmark 25-21, 25-23, 25-22.

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