HIGH SCHOOL FALL PLAYOFFS

Chronicle Country teams are in the midst of fall playoff runs.

In volleyball, both Lexington and River Bluff looked to advance to the 3rd round of the Class 5A playoffs.

The Lady Wildcats were at home Tuesday against Socastee, while the Lady Gators headed on the road to face Carolina Forest.

Meanwhile, White Knoll sought its 2nd straight road playoff win at James Island. The Lady Timberwolves upset top-seed Ashley Ridge in the opening round and a potential 3rd round Halloween night matchup with Lexington looms if both teams won this past Tuesday.

Airport was the lone Chronicle Country team in Class 4A playing Tuesday as well. It traveled to top-seed South Aiken.

In Class 3A, Gilbert looked to move a step closer to the Lower State final with a home win Wednesday against a May River team making its 1st 3rd round appearance.

This past Monday, the Lady Indians defeated Bishop England in 3 sets. It avengered last year’s 2nd round playoff defeat.

A win would mean either a matchup at Academic Magnet or home meeting with Dillon on Monday for a berth in the Class 3A final Nov. 9 at River Bluff High School.

Over in West Columbia, Gray Collegiate had the task of upending 8-time and defending Class 2A champion St. Joseph’s Catholic in the 3rd round.

The War Eagles have homecourt advantage throughout the Upper State playoffs and are seeking a second state state semifinal appearance. They lost to sister school Oceanside Collegiate in last year’s Lower State final.

River Bluff has capitalized off homecourt advantage through the 1st 2 rounds of the S.C. High School League Class 5A playoffs.

On Tuesday, the Gators shut out Socastee 6-0 to set up a 3rd round match against either Ashley Ridge or West Florence on Thursday.

River Bluff could play host to the Lower State final Monday against either Wando or Conway, a 4-3 winner of Chapin for a berth in the Nov. 9 final at 10 am at the Cayce Fitness and Tennis Center.

The Lady Gators are seeking their 2nd state title in 3 years after winning in 2017.

In other tennis news, River Bluff seniors Jesse Hollins and Claire Floyd were selected to play in the North/South All-Star Tennis Classic. The event will take place Nov. 15-16 at Myrtle Beach High School.