BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Union County High School’s volleyball team won its first region playoff match since 2016, defeating visiting Branford 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 27-25) in the Oct. 28 Region 3-1A semifinals.
The Tigers (19-7) got 13 kills and 11 digs from Jaycee Davis and 21 assists, 12 digs and four service aces from Kamryn Southerland in advancing to the Region 3 championship match. Union will travel to Monticello to play Aucilla Christian Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. The Warriors (21-3) advanced by defeating Hilliard 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-13).
Aucilla Christian in the region’s number-one seed and the third-ranked team in the state, while Union is the number-two seed and ranked sixth.
This marks only the second year Union has competed in the playoffs since its state runner-up finish six years ago.
Jailyn Simmons recorded 11 kills and four blocks in the win over Branford (19-7), while Jurney Crim and Bella Johns each had 10 digs. Crim also had six assists.
Jordan Hendricks had 10 assists, while Rylie Parrish and Layla Barber recorded six and five kills, respectively. Barber also had two blocks.
Indi Knox added eight digs for the Tigers, who’ve now won three straight and nine of their last 11 matches.
If Union defeats Aucilla Christian, it will play a state semifinal match on Friday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. The site and opponent are to be determined.
