Mike Ridaught
On Saturday afternoon the Bell and Newberry volleyball teams advanced to the Class 1A state semifinals. Bell swept Union County and Newberry swept Trenton.
Seniors Taria Liles and Maddy Sapp each had 16 kills to lead the Lady Bulldogs. Liles added 16 digs and Sapp added 10.
In Class 4A, Santa Fe’s season came to an end with a 5-set loss at Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville). The Raiders’ season ends at 21-9.
Bell advances to Final Four
The Bell volleyball team is headed back to the FHSAA Class 1A final four. On Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs swept visiting Union County 25-16, 25-19, 26-24 to advance to their third state semifinal in school history.
Bell was once again led by senior outside hitters Taria Liles and Maddy Sapp. Liles had 16 kills, three blocks, and 16 digs, while Sapp also had 16 kills and added 10 digs. Michelle Heilig finished with seven kills, three blocks, and 15 digs. Emma Hutto had 27 assists and 17 digs & Ashlee Thomas added three blocks.
Bell, which improved to 20-5, will travel to Newbery this Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. for the Class 1A state semifinals. The Panthers advanced with a sweep of Trenton. Sophomore Chloe Wilkerson led Trenton with 13 kills and 10 digs. The Tigers’ season came to an end at 15-6.
Newberry advances to final four
The Newberry Panthers kept their storybook season moving forward, beating the Trenton Tigers in straight sets.
The Panthers were led by senior Grace Oelrich with 13 kills, followed by senior Katie Oxer with eight kills. Senior setter Sarah Miller dished out 28 assists and finished with six aces. Newberry will host Bell this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Mike Ridaught is the founder and publisher of ThePrepZone.com, the foremost website for high school sports in northeast Florida.