BENTON -- It was a rematch of the District 6-AA volleyball championship match here in the Region 3-AA finals at Polk County High School, but the results were different the second time around.
Central had defeated Red Bank in an emoitonal five-set match last Thursday at Red Bank, but the Lionettes were victorious on Monday night and have earned the right to host a sectional match on Thursday against the Region 4-AA runner-up. Central will travel to the home of the 4-AA champion on Thursday.
Monday's match was equally as close and just as intense as the district final, but the Lionettes won by scores of 25-18, 21-25, 25-23, 22-25 and 15-13.
"It was another nail-biter and I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack," said Red Bank coach Mandi Munn after her team had improved to 21-24 with the win over Polk County in the semifinals and then Central in the final.
"The girls were focused on winning tonight and they just refused to lose. I couldn't be any more proud of the effort and heart they showed as they were hungry for a win," Munn added.
Allison Walker and Caitlyn Jenkins had 14 and 11 kills respectively to lead Red Bank while Abby Graham had 19 assists and Rachel Thornbury 18. Autumn Babb finished with 24 digs while Kiki Adkins followed with 15..
Tiffani Estep was the leader for the Lady Pounders with 23 kills, 23 digs and five blocks. Sam Scott had the same number of digs while Chasidy Ainslie had 32 assists and her sister Lexie followed with 18. Rebekah Hill was also outstanding for the Lady Pounders with 29 digs and 13 kills.
Central had advanced with a 3-0 win over McMinn Central and now stands 28-12 for the season.
RED BANK STATS:
Abby Graham -- 4 kills, 1 block, 13 digs, 19 assists, 2 aces;
Allison Walker -- 14 kills;
Caitlyn Jenkins -- 11 kills;
Dani Usher -- 5 kills, 4 blocks;
Marjorie Smith -- 5 kills, 1 block, 4 aces;
Jasmine Simpson -- 6 kills, 1 block;
Autumn Babb -- 24 digs;
Hannah Wilson -- 11 digs, 1 ace;
Kiki Adkins -- 15 digs, 1 ace;
Rachel Thornbury -- 13 digs, 18 assists, 2 aces.
CENTRAL STATS:
Tiffani Estep -- 23 kills, 23 digs, 5 blocks;
Rebekah Hill -- 13 kills, 29 digs, 2 blocks;
Skyler Wolfe -- 12 kills, 3 aces;
Chasidy Ainslie -- 32 assists, 2 aces;
Lexie Ainslie -- 18 assists, 12 digs, 2 aces;
Sam Scott -- 23 digs;
Hailey East -- 1 kill, 2 blocks.
(Email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@comcast.net)