Sale Creek continues to produce on the volleyball court.
For the sixth consecutive season the Lady Panthers have advanced to the Class A state tournament. Despite having a very youthful squad, coach Erin Briner's team is on fire having won 13 straight contests headed into Tuesday's 6 p.m. matchup against two-time defending state champion Summertown (40-4) at Siegel High School.
After losing six impact seniors last year, Sale Creek (29-11) has been able to maximize the talent of its up and coming young stars.
Sophomore Ava Higgins has been one of the most dominant right side hitters/blockers in Class A this season averaging four kills and one block per set.
"She can take over games," Briner said. "Not many can play defense against her. She is a quiet leader, but very loud with her play. She has a great reach and power. But most importantly she is a great teammate to the girls."
Standout setter Karma Jones and outside hitter Enslee Norwood have been huge spark plugs for the Lady Panthers who feature six players who range from 8th grade to sophomores.
Jones has had 10 aces in a match this season while Norwood is a threat for double digit kills and is a leader on defense along with sophomore McKenzie Parks and freshman Eisa Eilertson.
"We pulled Karma up as an eighth grader and has been a huge part of our success," Briner said. "She has some of the most volleyball sense on the court of anyone we have ever coached. Enslee has been another key for us. She is consistent and is kind of the energy and spirit of our team."
Sale Creek - which has an all-time record of 12-12 in state tournament action - is one of five local volleyball programs set to compete in the TSSAA state tournament.
East Hamilton (28-5) is led by seniors McKenna Hayes, Amya Sutton and Maddie Allen. The three stars combined for 45 kills in the Class AA sectionals against Livingston Academy. The Lady Hurricanes will start the double-elimination tournament with a matchup against Lexington (34-4) at 1 at Rockvale High School.
Signal Mountain (17-16) will also compete in the AA bracket and open with Sullivan East (21-7) at 6 p.m.
Cleveland (38-11) is in pursuit of the AAA state title and will open against Nolensville (38-3) at 6 p.m. at Blackman High School.
Notre Dame (28-5) opens play in the Division II-A semifinals against Concord Christian (20-13) at 10:30 a.m. at Middle Tennessee Christian School. The Lady Irish were last year's state runners-up.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.