Rylee Hedrick sets for Carson against East Rowan.

Brian Wilhite photo.

 

Staff report

CHINA GROVE — Carson’s surging volleyball team won for the 11th straight time in a Tuesday semifinal in the South Piedmont Conference Tournament.

The second-seeded Cougars won 25-17, 25-20 and 25-10 against third-seeded East Rowan.

Carson (23-5) advanced to a tournament championship game that the Cougars will play on their home floor on Wednesday at 6 p.m. against top-seeded Lake Norman Charter.

Carson and Lake Norman Charter tied for first place in the regular season with 15-1 records, so this match will decide more than a trophy and bragging rights. It will decide which team is seeded as a conference champion for the 3A state playoffs.

L:ake Norman Charter is fifth in the latest 3A West RPI rankings, while Carson is ninth. A win in this match would provide a boost in the playoff seeding for Carson and more home games.

East (20-9) is 14th in the 3A West RPI rankings and will return to action in the playoffs. The Mustangs are in position to get a first-round home game, as the top 16 in the 32-team bracket will open the playoffs at home.

Cameron Ostle had 12 kills for the Mustangs on Tuesday. Alli Corl had seven. Leigan Lusk had six.

Madalynn Tigert served three aces.

Jacee Eudy had 22 assists. Jordan Dry had 13 digs and handled serve-receive 33 times.