Friday March 29th, 2024 2:51AM

Volleyball: Area teams aim for 'Elite' status

By AccessWDUN Staff

The first round of the state playoffs proved tough for northeast Georgia volleyball, as just six of 15 teams participating made it through -- with one more yet to play in the Class AA first round.

But the teams still standing have a great shot at making a deep runs in the postseason, especially in Class AAA, where northeast Georgia squads are guaranteed at least two spots in the "Elite Eight." 

The second round gets under way Tuesday afternoon, with (in alphabetical order) Buford, East Hall, East Jackson, Gainesville, Jackson County and North Hall each looking to advance to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile the Class AA first round, including Rabun County, will also begin this week.

Class AAA certainly provides some intriguing matches, as Area 7-AAA and 8-AAA square off. Area 7-AAA champ North Hall plays host to East Jackson (No. 2 from 8-AAA) on Tuesday afternoon, while East Hall (7-AAA's 3 seed) travels to 8-AAA champ Jackson County. The winner is guaranteed a spot in championship tournament, which begins on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Area 8-AAAAAA champ Gainesville plays host to 7-AAAAAA 3 seed Pope, while Area 8-AAAAA champ Buford plays host to Area 7-AAAAA runner-up Hiram.

In Class AA, Area 4-AA champ Rabun will take on Area 3 4 seed Pepperell.

STATE VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS FOR AREA TEAMS
Second round
Area teams listed first

CLASS AAAAAA
Gainesville vs. Pope

CLASS AAAAA
Buford vs. Hiram

CLASS AAA
East Jackson at North Hall
East Hall at Jackson County

CLASS AA
Rabun County vs. Pepperell

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