The local high school volleyball teams still alive in the playoffs are just two steps away from playing for a state title.
For teams like South River and Broadneck, though, their regional final will be for much more than just a shot at the state tournament. The Class 4A East Region final will mark the third meeting this season between the two successful Anne Arundel County programs. With earlier meetings in the regular season and county title match, Broadneck (15-1) earned bragging rights by defeating South River (13-4) for the county title.
In the 3A, defending state champ Centennial (14-1) has been a buzz-saw in the first three rounds of the playoffs. Picking up a bye to start the tournament, the East Region?s No. 1 seed captured its first two matches without dropping a game. The Eagles will face Howard County rival River Hill (14-3), the third seed, in the final. The Hawks pummeled Severna Park, 3-0, and beat Wilde Lake, 3-1, earlier in the tournament.
No. 1 seed Catonsville (16-2) is still alive and well in the 3A North, where they haven?t lost a game yet. Their regional final opponent is No. 3 Towson (13-3), which squeaked by Franklin, 3-2, in the quarterfinals. Towson is the defending region champion and is looking to avenge a regular-season loss to Catonsville.
Two local powerhouses highlight the 2A regional finals. Polytechnic (16-1), the top seed in the North Region, has not dropped a game en route to its showdown with Loch Raven (14-2). In the West Region, Liberty (15-1) has yet to drop a set, as well, obliterating South Carroll and Northwood to set up a final with North Hagerstown (14-2).
In the 2A South, top-seeded Reservoir (17-1) will face Glenelg (13-4) in a rematch of this year?s Howard County championship. Reservoir won that contest in five games over the defending 2A state champions.
In the 1A North final, No. 1 seed Digital Harbor (13-2) will face Southside (11-5). Havre de Grace (15-1), the top seed in the 1A South, advanced to face Poolesville (11-4) in the championship.
Dates and times for these matches have not been determined as of press time. Please contact your local schools to verify match times.
