Randleman’s Hannah Hinshaw spikes the ball against Pine Lake Prep in the Class 2-A West bracket state playoffs in Randleman on October 23, 2021. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL
RANDLEMAN — Randleman topped Pine Lake to advance to the second round of the Class 2-A state volleyball playoffs Saturday afternoon.
The 13th-seeded Tigers defeated the 20th-seed Pride in straight sets to improve to 19-6.
The Pride opened a 7-2 lead in the first set. Later tied at 16-16, Randleman and Pine Lake traded the lead with the Tigers ultimately taking the set 25-22. Randleman led the entire way in the second set that ended 25-22.
The final set was all Tigers, who cruised in a 25-16 result.
Tigers coach Kerry Mitchell said her team had “a lot more energy and focus” than it had in a semifinal loss in the conference tournament to eventual champion Uwharrie Charter Academy.
“Today was win or go home,” Mitchell said.
After falling behind in the first set, Mitchell said she talked to her team during a timeout to remind the players of their scouting report on the Pride.
“We talked about serving tougher,” she said. “I told them to push through.”
Hannah Hinshaw had 22 kills and 14 digs. Chloe Dixon had eight kills, 10 digs and three aces. Kylie Vaughan had seven kills and 19 digs. Gabi Carter had five kills and nine digs. Karli Kennington had 24 digs and Kenzie Roach had 43 assists.
The Tigers will travel Tuesday to face fourth-seeded Lincoln Charter.
“We have to make sure we come off the bus ready to play,” Mitchell said.
