MONROE -- The Lakeview Academy girls volleyball team advanced to the Class A state tournament for the first time since 2008 Saturday.
The Lady Lions won a close three set match over Providence Christian 25-18, 19-25, 26-24 to qualify for the playoffs but fell short in the semifinal round losing to Prince Avenue 17-25, 25-19, 25-13.
Shelby Ross led Lakeview with 11 kills, 19 digs, 12 blocks, and five aces. Samantha Versteeg had 25 digs and Bailey Towles added 20 assists, 13 aces, five digs and two kills for the Lady Lions.
Kaylee McClendon had 10 kills and nine blocks while Katie Gay had 10 kills and six aces for Lakeview.
Lakeview, returning to State tournament play for the first time since 2008, travels to Holy Innocents' on Thursday.
