It was an unlikely gift that Orange volleyball received last week. A stunning upset by crosstown rival Cedar Ridge over Chapel Hill gave the Panthers a chance to tie for the Big 8 Conference Championship if Orange could pull off a victory of its own at CHHS.
It wasn’t to be.
The Tigers defeated the Panthers 3-0 on Tuesday night on scores of 25-18, 25-17 and 25-11. With the win, Chapel Hill wins the Big 8 Championship. Bailey Lucas had five kills, eleven assists and five digs for the Panthers. Emma Clements had eight digs, five kills and an ace. Senior Macy Hughes also finished with five kills.
Orange is now 10-8, 7-3 in the Big 8. They are assured a spot in the 3A state playoffs and are tied with J.F. Webb for 2nd place in the conference.
Chapel Hill received 14 kills from Kaya Merkler. Kyra Crider finished with ten aces. Senior Shea Golden ended up with 13 digs and seven kills. Katie Huge had 25 assists.
The Tigers also swept Orange in Hillsborough on September 15th. Under first-year head coach Lee Fields, the Tigers are now 17-4.
Orange travels to Northwood on Thursday. They host Webb for senior night next Tuesday.