Volleyball: GHS falls to No. 2 St. Pius

ATLANTA -- Gainesville's longest-ever run in the Class AAA state volleyball tournament came to an abrupt end Saturday.

The Lady Elephants fell to No. 2 St. Pius 25-9, 25-13, 25-13 in the playoff quarterfinals.

Despite the loss, Gainesville coach Randi Orr said the year has been a humbling and exciting experience. Gainesville won just five matches in 2010.

"We've just tried to enjoy the season as much as possible," Orr said. "I would never had expected to go this far at the beginning of the year. But, I also felt like we had talent and could win. The girls worked hard all year and earned everything they got. I am very proud of them."

St. Pius (48-5) has swept all three of its playoff matches so far. Orr said her team had chances to score but the Lady Lions' height was too much.

"They are very tall and athletic and we had a hard time at the beginning," Orr said. "But we settled down after the first game and had some chances."

Grace Miller had five blocks for Gainesviile and Anna Walker had six kills for the Lady Elephants. Kaylin Walden added 11 assists for Gainesville, which finished the year at 24-13. Walden and Walker each finished the season as Area 8-AAA first-team members.