INMAN, S.C. – It was a big third round volleyball showdown on Thursday evening as the Region III-3A champion Chapman Panthers hosted the three-time, reigning state champion Powdersville Patriots.
On this night, it was the Patriots that capitalized on opportunities and advanced to the Upper State championship with a 3-0 victory (25-23, 25-16, 25-23), dealing Chapman their first loss at home this season. In the opening frame, neither club could establish much of an advantage. As a result, there wasn’t a lead larger than two points on either side through the midway point of the set. Sparked by a trio of kills – two from Caroline Garner and one from KJ Jackson – Chapman took a 20-15 lead over the visiting Patriots. But then, Powdersville pieced together a rally and used an astounding 10-2 run to win the set 25-23. “I really felt like we had an opportunity tonight,” said Chapman head coach Shane LeCroy. “We had a good game plan, but give credit to Powdersville. They’re a good team and they have been there a number of times.” “Our defense was out of position (during the run). Their number 13 (Megan Carpenter) was hurting us on the right side. We made an adjustment… I felt we slowed her down at that point, but just not enough. We made a few too many errors down the stretch.” Powdersville later took a 2-0 advantage into the third set, but the Panthers continued to battle. Chapman surged ahead 18-14, aided by a 4-0 service run from Hannah LeCroy that included one kill apiece from Garner and Jackson, along with a block by Alexa Davis and Rylee Simpson. During the flurry, a red card was issued to the Powdersville bench, awarding a point to the Panthers. Trailing 20-18, Powdersville outscored Chapman seven to five in the closing moments to win the set and sweep the match, advancing to the 3A Upper State championship match. Chapman finishes the 2021 campaign with a 14-9 overall mark and a Region III-3A championship. With the season's conclusion, they will see four seniors graduate – Rylan Snead, Lexi Krivicich, Asheton Holden, & Gabrielle Borum. Despite the loss, the Panthers have reason to be excited about what’s to come in the near future. “We’ve had some really great seniors,” LeCroy stated. “I told them (postgame) that they should be proud because we’re changing the culture here. They came to work every day, being selfless. Whatever the team or scheme needed out of them is what they did. I’m so thankful for them and what they’ve done for this program.” -Justin Mathis Comments are closed.
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