SMHS volleyball hosted Clay-Battelle on Oct. 30 for the pre-regional match. The first set was won by the Blue Devils, 25-17. Brynnley Bulluck started the game strong with a huge block and then a kill. Senior, Alyssa Winland protected her serve for four straight points, including 1 ace. Kills by Brynnley Bulluck and Maddie Lambert helped advance the lead. Along with Morgan Bardwell polished off the first set with the final 3 points.  

The second set was closer with a score of 25-22. Rylee Renner started with a couple of aces, and Brynnley Bulluck helped with a few kills and a block. Clay-Battelle was in the lead 20-18, but the Lady Devils powered back to win the second set.  

The Lady Blue Devils fell to Clay-Battelle in the third set after winning the first two. Morgan Bardwell was outstanding for this set, scoring half of her team’s first 12 points. The Cee Bees built the lead to 22-15, but the Blue Devils stayed alive until falling 25-21.  

Both teams are going strong into the decisive fourth set. Hallie Lucas gave the Lady Devils an edge with her ace advancing the score to 19-14 after going back and forth. Clay-Battelle pushed the score to 20-19, just one point away from taking the lead. However, St. Marys was able to take the win after a timeout. Gaining the final points included a kill from Brynnley Bulluck and aces from Alyssa Winland. Bardwell and Bulluck had a combined 35 kills and 7 blocks. The Lady Blue Devils will advance to the semi-final regional championship.