Clayton News Daily

From Staff Reports

The Jonesboro Lady Cardinals are starting to become regular visitors to the state volleyball tournament.

Wednesday afternoon in their own gym, the Lady Cardinals won the Area 3 championships for the fourth straight year, beating county rival Forest Park 25-14, 25-17.

The Lady Cardinals advanced to next week's state tournament as a No.-1 seed. Despite the loss, Forest Park also advanced to the state tournament for first time in school history.

According to Jonesboro head coach Daniel Maehlman going to state this season is just as exciting as it was four years ago.

“We are really young, so I don't think we showed a whole lot of emotion at times, but it's still very exciting,” he said.

The Lady Panthers made it to the state tournament in Lawrence McGraw's first year as head coach.

“I attribute our success to lots of hard work and dedication.

First-round Class AAAA matches will be played either in Athens or Conyers.

In other action Tuesday, Morrow and Riverdale also advanced to the Class AAAAA state tournament. Morrow beat Riverdale 25-12, 25-15 in the finals behind the play of Jasmine King, Tara Thornton, Shwanda McClain, and Brittany Wilson. Jordan Greenleaf and Chanda OKeyr.

Earlier on Tuesday, Riverdale beat Mundy's Mil 19-25, 25-23 and 25-22.