New Salem advances to MSCAA volleyball semifinals

New Salem Baptist Academy of Marble Hill won three more matches Friday at the Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association volleyball state championships in Joplin, Mo., to move within two victories of a state title.

After going 3-0 in pool play Thursday, New Salem (19-2) finished pool play with two more wins, beating Calvery Christian of Nevada, Mo., 25-22, 25-13 and Riverview Christian of Excelsior Springs, Mo., 25-15, 25-21.

Sarah Green had 12 kills against Calvery Christian, while Mary Beth Poole added eight kills. Laura Poole recorded 28 assists.

Against Riverview Christian, Green had nine kills and Mary Beth Poole six, while Laura Poole added 13 assists.

New Salem began bracket play with a 25-16, 25-14 victory against Eagle Ridge Christian School of Cape Girardeau. Mary Beth Poole and Martha Poole both had six kills, Celsey Cook added five kills, and Laura Poole had 15 assists.

New Salem will play in the semifinals this morning.

Woodland 25 17 25

Bell City 21 25 15

Lotte Cook had seven kills and 16 digs as Woodland ended the regular season with a home victory against the Cubs (25-5-1), the top-seeded team in next week's Class 1 District 2 tournament.

Chelsea McCormick added five kills and 10 digs for the Cardinals (14-11), the fourth seed in Class 2 District 3. Sasha Hutson had nine digs, Katie Acup had eight digs, Rheanna Greer recorded 32 assists and Kyla Choate added 20 assists.

JV -- Woodland won 25-15, 25-22.

-- From staff reports