The first ever Boys Varsity 4A State Playoff match for our Volleyball team was in the Nest Monday night. The Mustangs of Midland Valley came in as the 3rd seed with an 8-2 record. The Eagles, who have had a full slate of matches this season, entered as the #2 seed at 12-10 riding a very heavy strength of schedule. Prior to the match, all players on both teams were recognized for their achievement of making the playoffs, and both teams posed together for a pre-match photo op.

Both the boys and girls teams had matches and both were color outs Monday night. The Boys' fans and team were all dressed in black as the dimly lit Auxilary Gym provided the perfect back drop to set an ominous mood. The energy in the stands was palpable and grew with each set.

Little was known of how the two teams would match up. After a back and forth start, the Eagles began to pull away in the 1st set winning 25-13 behind the serves of J'vion Ballenger and Connor Usher. The two combined for over half of the team's first set serves.

The second set saw more great serving from Usher who was like a sniper targeting the Mustangs' defenders, while scoring 5 aces in the set. Eagles won that set 25-16.

Captiain Nico Depalle would come alive in the 3rd set with 6 assists to5 different attackers. He would also add on two monstrous kills and a roof block for an all-around great set played. Eagles would let the Mustangs breath a little life into their lungs making the 3rd set a little close. They would however end on a emphatic kill from Connor Usher to win the set 25-21 and end the match.

Together the team celebrated its first ever Playoff victory and moves on to face Region Champs and undefeated, Wade Hampton at Wade Hampton at 6 on Wednesday night. This will determine the Upper State Champions and the winner will go to Keenan High School in Columbia Saturday for the State Championships.,