Gorman, GV volleyball teams advance

Friday, Nov. 12, 1999 | 12:14 p.m.

Bishop Gorman and Green Valley pulled out hard-fought five-game victories on Thursday to advance to the semifinals of the 4A State Girls Volleyball Tournament at Chaparral High School.

The Gaels (20-1) won the first two games, then held on for a wild 15-2, 15-6, 13-15, 10-15, 15-5 win over Carson. Gorman's Jamie Van Meetren had nine of her match-high 26 kills in the decisive game to help the locals over the top.

"We weren't pretty but we got it done," Gaels coach Ed Van Meetren said.

Shannon McGrandy had 17 kills and eight blocks for Gorman, while setter Lacie Jackson finished with 38 assists. Devan Lee chipped in 18 service points and 14 digs for the victors, while Tarin Keith added 14 kills and six aces.

The Gators (22-2) rallied after losing the first game, pulling out a thrilling 13-15, 15-1, 15-12, 13-15, 17-15 victory over Reno. Malia Koelliker came up big for Green Valley, slamming home 30 kills and tossing in six aces.

Gator setter Jessica Lackey contributed a whopping 62 assists, Aubre Anderson had 16 kills and Erika Twesme added eight digs in the win.

The state's northern half also sent two clubs into today's semifinal round. Churchill County (21-1) knocked off Silverado, 15-6, 8-15, 15-5, 16-14 in the morning session, and defending state champion Douglas (18-5) eliminated Durango, 9-15, 15-10, 15-1, 15-7 in the afternoon.

Gorman faces Churchill County today at 1 p.m., with Green Valley and Douglas squaring off at 4:30 p.m. Saturday's championship is slated for 4 p.m.

In 3A action at Green Valley High, Boulder City moved on with a 15-6, 15-6 win over Spring Creek. The Eagles play Mineral County today at 12:30 p.m. in the double-elimination event.