By Brenden Marcell
Liberty volleyball heads into the postseason as AA Region I Co-Champions after an outstanding regular season.
The Red Devils finished 25–3 overall and 15–1 in region play, earning a share of the region title. Liberty also defended its home court throughout the regular season, posting a perfect 8–0 home record.
Season highlights included a five-set victory over St. Joseph’s Catholic, season sweeps of region opponents West-Oak and Pendleton, and nonregion victories over Palmetto, Seneca and Walhalla. Liberty also challenged itself in tournament competition, collecting wins against opponents from outside South Carolina.
The Red Devils enter the playoffs ranked No. 3 in Class AA by MaxPreps. Claire Bivens leads the team with 4.1 kills per set, while Natalie White averages 3.6 digs per set. Jozie Youngblood has contributed a .395 hitting percentage, providing another productive presence at the net.
Liberty earned the No. 2 Upper State playoff seed and a first-round bye. The Red Devils will open postseason play at home on Monday, October 26, against the winner of No. 7 West-Oak and No. 10 Pendleton, who meet October 21. The match time has not yet been announced.
Either opponent would bring a familiar region rivalry to Liberty’s playoff opener. The Red Devils defeated both teams twice during the regular season, but the postseason brings a fresh challenge with advancement on the line.
With a co-region championship, 25 victories and an unbeaten home slate, Liberty now turns its attention to making a postseason run.
Red Devil fans—make plans to pack the gym October 26!