The John S. Clements Memorial Gymnasium in Saluda rocked on Saturday when the Middlesex High School (MHS) Lady Chargers swept Buffalo Gap in the State Class 1 Region A Tournament quarterfinals.
Middlesex defeated the Region 1B runner up 25-14, 25-12, and 25-18.
“Middlesex delivered a balanced, disciplined performance, showcasing steady serving, strong defensive organization, and efficient attacking across all positions,” said MHS Assistant Lady Charger coach Laura Walton, who is the daughter of head coach Brian Walton who is in his ninth year leading the Lady Chargers.
Also on Saturday, visiting Lancaster (Region 1A runner-up) defeated Luray, the Region 1B champions.
Serving
The Lady Chargers put pressure on Buffalo Gap from the service line, posting 15 total aces while keeping errors to just five. Middlesex averaged a 20.5% ace rate, helping them control momentum early and often.
Sophomore Hannah Lambert led the Lady Chargers with four aces on 21 serves at a 95.2% service rate.
Senior Karadee Anderson added two aces with a 93.3% serve rate, and Rori Stuart chipped in three aces.
Attacking
Middlesex tallied seven kills, hitting .189 as a team. Junior Rori Stuart led all hitters with 10 kills, taking a team-high 38 swings.
Sophomore Kinsley Horn finished with seven kills on 23 attempts, and Annie Bray added five kills, hitting .364 — the best efficiency on the team.
Sophomore Hannah Koehler contributed six kills, and Payton Baker added three.
Setting
The Chargers totaled 30 assists, running the offense through a two-setter system.
Lailah Baylor dished out 11 assists, while Hannah Lambert led the group with 17 assists, averaging 5.7 per set, all while committing zero errors.
Blocking
Middlesex recorded six team blocks.
Freshman Payton Baker led with three total blocks. Hannah Koehler added a critical solo block. Annie Bray and sophomore Lailah Baylor each recorded one.
Serve Receive
The Chargers handled Buffalo Gap’s serves with confidence, finishing with 43 receptions and just four errors.
Senior Courtney Jessie delivered one of the most steady performances of the night. She was targeted six times, produced three perfect passes, and posted a team-leading 50% perfect-pass percentage and an 1.83 efficiency rating.
Kinsley Horn also passed well, taking 11 balls with four perfect passes and zero errors for an 1.91 efficiency.
Libero Carly Jessie, a senior, carried the largest load with 14 receptions, keeping the offense in system with four perfect passes.
Defense
The Chargers dug 63 balls, showing balance and grit across the backcourt. Libero Carly Jessie led the team with 22 digs (7.3 per set).
Hannah Lambert added 12, and Kinsley Horn collected nine.
“The energy was high, the girls were focused, practices are very tough so they can have fun in games,” said Laura Walton. “We are excited to see how far we can go.”
Also assisting in coaching are Sean Stuart and JV coach Jackie Baker.
