Photo by Gray Collegiate Academy – Gray Collegiate Academy volleyball
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Lexington County volleyball teams pursue Class 5A state titles
Two Lexington County volleyball teams found themselves on a collision course for the S.C. High School League Class 5A state championship.
Gray Collegiate Academy and River Bluff competed in the state semifinals Tuesday, with the Class 5A championship match scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Dreher High School.
The Lady War Eagles faced Wando in West Columbia in the Lower State final. Gray Collegiate advanced with a 3-0 victory over West Ashley on Oct. 28, winning 25-18, 25-20 and 25-20 at home. The victory improved the team’s record to 27-5.
Gray Collegiate was seeking its first appearance in a state championship match in its first season competing in Class 5A. The Lady Warriors defeated the Lady War Eagles in two sets during an August preseason tournament in Mount Pleasant. It was the first meeting between the two schools.
Meanwhile, River Bluff traveled to Woodmont, last year’s Division II champion, for the Upper State final after earning a dramatic five-set road victory in the third round.
River Bluff volleyball following the 5-set win over Dorman
Facing defending Class 5A Division I champion Dorman at Paula Kirkland Arena, the Lady Gators rallied from a one-set deficit to defeat the Lady Cavaliers 25-20, 22-25, 16-25, 25-11 and 15-11.
After trailing 9-5 in the deciding set, River Bluff (21-16) won 10 of the final 11 points to secure the victory. It was just the team’s second win in 11 meetings against Dorman and avenged state championship losses in 2022 and 2025.
Woodmont defeated Gray Collegiate Academy in two sets Sept. 26 during a tournament in Piedmont.
Both River Bluff and Gray Collegiate Academy were seeking their first state championships.
Tennis
Gray Collegiate Academy was one victory away Tuesday from advancing to the Class 5A girls tennis state championship match.
The Lady War Eagles reached the Lower State final with a 5-1 win over Summerville. They traveled to face top-seeded and defending state champion Wando on Tuesday.
The winner was scheduled to face Chapin or Mauldin at noon Saturday at the Cayce Tennis Center.
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