Brentwood Home Page news reports
Ravenwood's defending state champion volleyball team is one step away from returning to the state tournament after winning the Region 6-AAA championship Tuesday night.

Stephanie Cerino had another big day for the Lady Raptors. (File photo by Peg Fredi for BHP)

The host Lady Raptors blanked Independence 3-0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-13) to advance into Thursday's 7 p.m. sub-state match at home against Region 5-AAA runner-up Portland.

"Wow, what a great team effort tonight," RHS Coach Tracey Berry said. "These girls played incredible.  We have so many players that step up to get the job done.  I have an incredible group of young ladies."

Sophomore Emily Svennevik led the team with 10 blocks in the regional semifinals and finals, with nine coming in the championship match against the Lady Eagles.

Earlier on Tuesday, three-time District 11-AAA champ Ravenwood also defeated 12-AAA runner-up Hillwood in the region semifinals 3-0 (25-6, 25-12, 25-8).

Lady Raptors senior Stephanie Cerino added 7 blocks and 13 kills on the night,  while sophomore Kat Hutson had a team-high 20 kills in the two games.

The four other Lady Raptors seniors also played a big role as usual: Sara Rains scored 18 points on serve, plus had 9 kills and 8 digs; Jazzy Oates recorded 12 kills and 4 blocks; setter Alyssa Ivey made 49 assists and 5 blocks; and Micaela Bailey had 21 digs on defense.

Portland lost in its region finals 25-14, 25-22, 25-21 to Wilson Central, which will host Independence in the sub-state round Thursday.