From staff reports
For the second straight year, Salisburyís tennis team has qualified finalists in singles and doubles.
Three rounds were played in Cary on Friday due to the threat of rain.
In singles, Katelyn Storey defeated Brevardís Hunter Hall 6-3, 7-6 (9) in a first-round matchup. Storey closed out the match on her fourth match point.
In the quarterfinals, Storey defeated Swansboroís Morgan Sheehan, the East No. 1 seed, 6-1, 6-3. In the semifinals, she defeated Carrboroís Danielle Sawyer, the Mideast No. 1 seed, 6-1, 6-1.
Storey (22-3) plays Cuthbertsonís Kalli Karas (22-0) in a rematch of last weekís regional final. Karas is a two-time state champ in doubles.
n In doubles, Salisburyís Sallie Kate Meyerhoeffer and Alexandra Drye earned All-State laurels by reaching the semifinals.
The Salisbury pair (22-3) defeated Brevardís Taylor Snowden and Emma McLeod 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 in the first round. In the quarterfinals, they defeated First Flightís Paige Chase and Ali Jones 6-3, 6-1. In the semifinals, the Hornet duo lost to Cedar Ridgeís Anna Kankanala and Hannah Marion 6-0, 6-2.
Salisburyís No. 1 doubles team of Joy Loeblein and Erika Nelson (26-1) advanced to the finals for the second straight year.
They defeated Shaunasie Adams and Michaela Lashley of North Lincoln 6-1, 6-0 in the first round.
In the quarterfinals, they topped Callie Copeland and Molly High of Edenton Holmes 6-2, 6-0.
In the semifinals, they handed Shelby siblings Nancy and Emily Bridges their first defeat with a 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 victory. The Hornets closed the match on Nelsonís serve on their seventh match point in a match that was halted twice in Cary before finally being completed at 6:45 p.m.
In 2008, as a freshman, Loeblein was a doubles finalist with Shea Commadoll. This is the best overall performance at states by the SHS girls since 1996, with five girls gaining the semis. The finals will be played at 8:30 indoors at N.C. State.
n In the 3A championships in Burlington, East Rowanís Lizzie Weaver lost to Ashevilleís Alix Theodossiou 6-3, 6-4 in the first round.
n In the 1A championships, N.C. School of Science and Mathís Alice Huang defeated Gray Stoneís Meghan Hedgepeth 6-1, 6-2
n Prep football
ADM figures were released by the NCHSAA on Friday, so playoff pairings are expected to be released on Saturday as scheduled.
n Prep volleyball
The fourth round of the prep volleyball playoffs today will feature a matchup of unbeaten North Iredell and NPC runner-up West Iredell.
n Prep cross country
East Rowanís boys team will be one of the favorites in todayís 3A Midwest Regional at McAlpine Park.
n College volleyball
Setter Jordan Raye delivered a triple-double of 10 kills, 12 digs and 38 assists to lead Catawba to a 20-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 SAC win against Lenoir-Rhyne on Friday.
Catawba (17-6, 11-4) got a combined 31 kills from Shay Meeks and Kaitlyn Whitmer. Jenny Young registered 38 digs.
Kayla Morrow (South Rowan) had seven kills, three digs and two blocks for the Bears.
n Livingstoneís volleyball team fell to CIAA foe Winston-Salem State 25-14, 25-15, 25-21 on Friday.
Phylicia Egbuna led the Blue Bears with eight kills.
n Middle school hoops
Sacred Heartís varsity boys basketball team lost its opening game to Durhamís Walltown Tigers 58-39.
The Dolphins were led by Walker Latimerís 11 points and seven rebounds.
Spencer Storey had eight points, Max Fisher scored seven and Joseph Harrison had six.
Justin Boyd provided some tough defense for the Dolphins.
The Dolphin Varsity teams will be in action in the Renegar Tournament in Winston Salem next week.
n Youth football
The Salisbury 49ers swept all three games this week at the Knox Middle School Field.
They head into the Southland Conference playoffs this weekend with the 7-8 team (7-0) playing at Mooresville; the 9-10 team (5-2) playing at Rock Hill. and the 11-12 team (4-3) going to Gastonia.
n South Y programs
The South Rowan YMCA is accepting registrations through Dec. 5 for its boys basketball program for grades 3-8. Practice starts week of Dec. 26. Games begin Jan. 7. Fees are $36 members and $60 for potential members Contact Carvie Kepley at the South Y at 704-857-7011.