Published: November 07, 2009 11:55 pm      

Frankfort wins Region title, returning to state tournament

SHORT GAP, W.Va. — Alieshia Porter and Katie Bush combined for 56 kills to lead Frankfort back to the Class AA state volleyball tournament as Region II champions Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons won their third straight region championship by beating Clay County and Philip Barbour in three-game sweeps.

Coach Mike Carder’s Falcons head to the state tournament with a 23-6-1 record. The tournament begins Friday, at the Charleston Civic Center. Frankfort’s first-round opponent and game time have yet to be determined.

Frankfort had little difficulty in beating Clay County in the region semifinal 25-11, 25-15 and 25-9.

Bush had 13 kills and five blocks, while Porter added 11 kills, eight service points and 12 digs for the Falcons. Saydi Whiteman had a team-high 14 points with five aces, as well as seven kills and 11 digs.

Maddie Shambaugh contributed 20 digs and 10 points, Morghan Snyder had 30 assists and Taylor Rice 13 points, five aces and 11 digs.

In the championship match, the Falcons took the early lead with a 25-20 win in the opening game, then breezed through the second 25-12 before taking the third 25-20.

Porter led the strong all-around team effort with 18 kills, 18 digs and 12 points, and Bush added 14 kills, four points and three blocks.

Shambaugh chipped in with 14 digs and nine points, Snyder had a team-high 40 assists and nine digs, Rice added eight points and six digs and Whiteman seven kills and 11 digs.

Philip Barbour had advanced to the final by beating Keyser in three games in the semifinals.

Philip Barbour also earned a trip to the state tournament, as both the region champ and region runner-up qualify.