The Eastern Eagles volleyball team is headed to the school's first-ever State Final Four with a four-set win over Shekinah Christian in Lancaster Saturday.

The Eagles took the first two sets 25-23, 26-24 before dropping the third 23-25. They won the final set 25-19.

The action was intense from beginning to end, with the smaller-scrappy Shekinah Christian digging-out many rocket-attacks from the bigger Eagles hitters.

Eastern trailed 8-2 in Set #1, but battled back to tie the set at 12-12. It see-sawed through the end of the Set, with the Eagles winning 25-23.

Set #2 saw both teams staying close, with the Flames holding a 22-20 lead and later had set-point at 24-23. But, Eastern again battled back to win 26-24.

The Flames darted to a 6-1 lead in Set #3, only to see Eastern even the score at 9-9. Back-and-forth it went before Shekinah distanced themselves with a lead of 24-18. However, Eastern pulled to within 24-23. The Flames won the next point for their first set victory.

Set #4 had Shekinah up early at 6-2, with Eastern clawing back to tie the score at 9-9. The Eagles broke things open with a 19-15 lead, but the Flames got to within 21-19, but could get no closer. Eastern went on a 4-0 run to close-out the match.

6''0 senior Miranda Clark led the Eagles with 23 kills and 5 blocks. 6'3 junior Bailey Helton added 15 kills and 4 blocks. Chandler Brown had 10 kills. 5'9 sophomore Casey Howard ended the match with 6 blocks.

Rhyanna Day had 26 digs for Eastern and Brittany Mounts racked up 45 assists.



The Eagles, who are now (27-0), will play in the Division 4 State Semifinal Friday at noon against Kidron Central Christian. They beat Tuscarawras Central Catholic 17-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-23.