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Madison volleyball sweeps King William to earn spot in state final four

Photo by John Berry

Madison County volleyball continued its business-like approach to matches that don’t have a trophy on the line, bypassing a celebration Saturday in favor of immediately breaking down the net, symbolizing the fact that the Mountaineers are moving on quickly as they continue to be locked in on what’s becoming another sterling postseason run.

 

“Obviously we have a huge fan base and they help us out so much and when we have a lot of energy it works, it just clicks,” said Madison setter Frances Sukley.

 

Madison made short work of King William Saturday night, rolling 3-0 with 25-14, 25-20 and 25-20 game wins in the Class 2 state quarterfinals. The win vaults the Mountaineers into the Class 2 state final four, one win away from a state title match appearance and sets up a revenge opportunity. 

 

Madison faces Region 2A champion Poquoson in a rematch of last year’s state final four clash, and the Mountaineers will be looking to exact some revenge after falling to the Islanders last year in dramatic fashion, a 3-2 semifinal loss where Madison let a 2-0 lead slip away at home. 

 

Sukley had a big night for the Mountaineers against King William, dishing out 33 assists while leading the Mountaineers in digs too with 19. She also chipped in a couple of aces and three kills of her own, a particularly productive night in a mostly easy sweep. 

 

Senior Abi Tanner led the attack with 10 kills (blasting home more than 52 percent of her attacks) and also had 12 digs in what will be her final game in Madison’s gym. The Mountaineers will head to Poquoson for the state semifinal match Tuesday and would play in Salem in the state championship Saturday if they win Tuesday.

 

Lizzie Burbridge also had a strong night with eight kills while Sarah Bevins chipped in six kills and two blocks. Lindsay McDaniel finished with 14 digs. Mila Myers was strong at the service line with four aces and also had three kills. 

 

“I’m so grateful that I have such good hitters,” Sukley said. “I get to spread it out and it’s so much fun because I don’t just have to set one person.”

Now Madison, the Bull Run District and Region 2B champions, will see if they can keep that rhythm rolling in the semifinals and get a shot to play for another trophy.

 

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