(5) Jefferson County North defeats (4) Meade 25-10, 25-20

Meade kept the first set close early with it being 8-6, but the Chargers rallied to go up 12-8, forcing the Buffaloes to call a timeout. Out of the break, Meade got the first point, but JCN would then rally off seven straight points and get the set out of reach in a hurry to win it 25-10. The second set started how the first set ended with JCN dominating. However, Meade would rally to make it close getting as close as three points at 22-19. The Chargers would be able to hold on, though, to win the match in two quick sets to get their first win in pool play.

(1) Hillsboro defeats (5) Jefferson County North 25-21, 25-18

Hillsboro led for the most of the third set and never allowed Jefferson County North to have a chance to win it. The Chargers made a late rally to make the score more even, but the Trojans dominated for the most part. In the second set, it started a lot closer and in the early portions of the set. However, the Trojans hitters got back into a rhythm late and pulled away to take the match in two sets.

(5) Jefferson County North defeats (8) St. Mary’s Colgan 25-22, 25-22

The loss in the previous match forced the Chargers to need the win in a winner-take-all match with both teams 1-1 in pool play entering this one. SMC didn’t play like an eight-seed as they brought it to the Chargers. The first set, however, was not the cleanest with both teams making some mistakes. In the end, it was JCN who made fewer errors and took the first set. The second set was very close the entire way with neither team having a lead greater than four points. Both teams had to get some rallies to stay competitive. Towards the end, it was a Chargers rally with five straight sets while trailing by three to give them the win.

Jefferson County North clinched the two-seed in Pool 1 only behind Hillsboro. They will take on Smith Center at 9 a.m. in the semifinals. If they lose, they will play in the third-place match 25 minutes after the semifinals conclude. If they win, they take on the winner of Inman and Hillsboro in the championship match which will begin 25 minutes after the consolation game concludes.

All of JCN’s games can be heard on KAIR 93.7 FM.