Highland Tech last volleyball team standing

GASTONIA - Highland Tech's volleyball team did something no other local team could: win a playoff match.

The Rams defeated South Stokes 3-0 on Saturday, becoming the only team in Gaston, Lincoln or Cleveland counties to advance.

"I think that's pretty good," Highland Tech coach Sharon Ratchford said.

Despite their sub-.500 record, the Rams (7-14) will be the only team in action for the second round today, when they play host to Rosman (16-8) at 6.

Highland Tech took the Southern Piedmont Conference's top Class 1A seed into the playoffs. After knocking off a wild card on Saturday (South Stokes was 5-18), the Rams will take on the No. 2 seed from the Big Smoky Mountain Conference. Should they win, they'll play again Thursday at Hendersonville or at Hiwassee Dam.

The Rams might have saved their best for last.

"We played exceptional" Saturday," Ratchford said. "That was probably our best game as far as blocking and attacking so far."

Elsewhere in the area, it was a day to forget. Gaston and Lincoln counties combined to go 1-9.

All five Big South representatives lost: East Gaston and Crest in the 4A bracket and North Gaston, Forestview and South Point in the 3A bracket.

Kings Mountain also went down, as did East Lincoln, Lincolnton, North Lincoln, West Lincoln and Cherryville.