(Cherokee) Cherokee, Washington, advances to the Class 3A Regional Semifinals with a three-set victory over Atlantic at Cherokee on Tuesday night.
The Braves hit .398. Diedra Doeden led the front line with 4.7 kills on 51.9%. Ireland Kennedy scooped 19 digs, and the home team posted five blocks.
Despite being outsized, the Trojans were tough at the net, led by Reese Harlan, Jillian Saathoff, Brynn Lamp, Emerie Jones, and Madison McLaren. The Trojans’ stats were not readily available at this time. Reese Ball set up her front line well; however, the Braves spread the ball around and recorded 95.9 percent service efficiency.
The Braves broke a 2-2 tie early in the opening set and built their momentum with a handful of short runs. The home team went on a 3-0 run late in the first set and closed it out with a 4-0 run to win 25-15.
Atlantic responded in the second set with a 3-0 run; however, the Braves swung their system back into gear with a 6-0 run. The Trojans rallied to tie the set at 8-8. However, the Braves turned the game around, outscoring the Trojans14-3 to close out the set 25-14.
Much like the first two sets, the Trojans played point for point early in the third set. However, the Braves again responded with a 17-5 run down the stretch to win, 25-16.
Cherokee, Washington, extends its record to 28-7 and faces 21-10 Clarinda on Thursday. The Trojans bow out with a 15-16 record.
