Two more Chronicle Country teams are headed to the S.C. High School League state semifinals in volleyball.

Both Lexington and Gray Collegiate were victorious on the road in its respective third-round matches in Classes 5A and 3A.

The two teams will head on the road again for the Lower and Upper State finals on Nov. 1. On Oct. 31, Gilbert travels to  Phillip Simmons for the Class 3A Lower State final. 

The winner faces Wren or Powdersville out of the Upper State in the state final Nov. 3 at Dreher High School. 

Lexington 3, Carolina Forest 1 (22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-16).

Another Chronicle Country region runner-up in volleyball is headed to the Lower State final.

Lexington High School went on the road and pulled off a four-set victory over Carolina Forest. After losing the first set 22-25, the Lady Wildcats took the next three sets 25-17, 25-23, 25-16 for the victory.

Outside hitters Trista Lindler and Kendal Vinson led the team with 17 kills and 14 kills, respectively. Middle hitter Jazlyn Snow had nine kills and three blocks for Lexington.

Standing in the way of the team’s first Class 5A final appearance since 2019 is an old nemesis in Wando. The Lady Wildcats (27-12) will head to Mount Pleasant Nov. 1 for a berth in the state title match Nov. 5 at Dreher High School.

The winner faces either defending champion Dorman or Mauldin.

“We are excited about the chance to play Wando again this year,” Lexington head coach Eric Shick said. “It is a common thing for us to play them each year. We are hoping to give them our best and hoping to come out on top. 

“We played them once this year at the Dorman tournament and lost in a close 3rd set, so I know it will be a good match. Bring your popcorn!”

Wando has won two of the last 25 meetings against Lexington. The Lady Wildcats’ last win against the Lady Warriors took place Sept. 24, 2021.

Gray Collegiate 3, Landrum 1

The Lady War Eagles are headed to the Class 2A Upper State final after the third-round road win over the Cardinals.

The scores were 20-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-18.  

"Two great teams," Gray Collegiate, head coach Jerry Dorneker said.  "Landrum was a great opponent. All the student-athletes showed amazing fight and character." 

Up next for Gray Collegiate (20-13-1) is Liberty on Nov. 1. The winner faces either Oceanside Collegiate or Bishop England out of the Lower State in the state championship at 10 a.m. Nov. 5 at Dreher High School.

Mauldin 3, River Bluff 0 (22-25, 25-27, 23-25)

The third time was not the charm for the River Bluff volleyball team.

The Lady Gators had defeated Mauldin twice this season entering the Oct. 27 Class 5A Upper State third-round. A victory would have sent them to the Lower State finals for a matchup against another familiar foe in defending champion Dorman.

This time, however, the Lady Mavericks ended the Lady Gators’ playoff run.In all three sets, River Bluff had a lead only to have the Lady Mavericks made a scoring run to close out the sets.

The loss ended River Bluff’s season at 38-6-1, while Mauldin faces Dorman in the Nov. 2 Upper State final.

Varsity Tennis Playoffs

Bishop England 6, Batesburg-Leesville 0

Carolina Forest 6, Lexington 0

Mauldin 4, Chapin 3