West Stanly got another big night from Kayli Cleaver and Madison Kee in Thursday’s second-round playoff matchup at home against No. 7 South Rowan.

The No. 2 seed in the 2A Western Region, the Colts advanced with a four-set win over the Raiders (15-2) with scores of 25-22, 20-25, 25-20 and 25-23 in favor of West (13-0).

Cleaver, a junior, led West with 18 kills, adding 11 digs, six blocks and six aces. Kee added 15 kills and led West with eight blocks.

Riley Barbee had 24 assists for the Colts, with Addie Barbee adding 23 assists and Kelsey Parker led West with 17 digs.

“Last night we came out strong and were more relaxed than Tuesday night,” West head coach Steffi Dutton said. “Our blocking was fantastic. Madison Kee and Kayli Cleaver had several stops for us. When we didn’t get a stop with blocking, Kelsey Parker and the rest of our defense was there to get the dig.”

The win sets up a third-round quarterfinal matchup at West Stanly Saturday between undefeated teams as the Colts will host No. 3 West Wilkes (16-0). The Blackhawks advanced to the third wound with a 3-0 win over No. 11 Surry Central.

About Charles Curcio

Charles Curcio was the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press from 1999-2001 and has currently served in the same capacity since 2008. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also been honored twice by the North Carolina Press Association.

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