For the third consecutive year, Gilbert and Orangeburg-Wilkinson faced each other in a one-match playoff for the Region 5-3A title.

The Lady Indians had won the previous two meetings played at Swansea High School.

On Thursday, it was a different setting at Brookland-Cayce High School. This time, the third time was the charm for the Bruinettes.

O-W defeated Gilbert in four sets (17-25, 25-18, 15-25, 21-25) to claim the top seed. It marked the first time since 2017 that the Lady Indians placed second in the region.

With its pep band in attendance to provide music and support, the Bruinettes jumped out to an 8-3 lead in the first set.

The Lady Indians rallied to tie the match at 14-14 before O-W won 11 of the final 14 points.
Gilbert regrouped to take the second set, only for the Bruinettes to reclaim the lead after winning set three.

The final set was closely fought before O-W won the final two points to claim the top seed.

The Lady Indians (15-7-1) will open the Class 3A playoffs Oct. 19 at home against the third-place team out of Region 8-3A.

River Bluff 3, Chapin 0 (25-11, 25-20, 28-26)

The Lady Gators closed out Region 5-5A play undefeated following the road victory over the Lady Eagles.

River Bluff (32-4, 8-0) will compete in the Wando Invitational Tournament at Wando High School this weekend. It will open the Class 5A playoffs Oct. 20 at home.

Chapin (11-11, 2-6) finished fourth in the region and will open the playoffs at Ashley Ridge.

Lexington 3, Dutch Fork 0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-15)

The Lady Wildcats clinched second place in Region 5-5A with the victory on "Senior Night".

"(Dutch Fork) started out the match killing it, but we calmed down and we’re able to work our way back into the lead by the end," Lexington head coach Eric Shick said.

Lexington (24-12, 6-2) will open the Class 5A playoffs Oct. 20 at home against Cane Bay. The Lady Silver Foxes (9-5, 4-4) will play host to Berkeley.

Oct. 11 score

Brookland-Cayce 3, Dreher 2 (24-26, 25-12, 25-12, 25-23, 15-13)

The Lady Bearcats clinched third place in Region 5-3A with the win. They will open the playoffs Oct. 19 at Hanahan.