High school volleyball has concluded for teams around Lexington County. 

The Lexington Wildcats were the last team standing entering the upper and lower state championship round. The Wildcats fell in the 5A Division I upper state championship game on Nov. 11 after losing to Dorman three sets to none. 

Lexington’s push for a state championship has again come to an early end after advancing deep into the postseason the past three years. While it wasn’t the result the team wanted, the Wildcats had one of their best seasons, finding 25-6 and undefeated in region games for the second year in a row. 

Before advancing to the upper state championship, the Wildcats first had to get through a familiar foe. 

River Bluff traveled to Lexington in the third round for the third meeting between the two region rivals. The Wildcats dominated the season series this year, winning the two previous games in the region season a combined six sets to one. 

The playoff matchup was different though. This time, River Bluff kept the game close and pushed Lexington to five sets before falling three sets to two. The two teams each scored 109 points in the match, but Lexington did just enough to win more sets. 

Lexington took the first two sets by scores of 25-22 and 25-23. With their backs against the wall, the Gators clawed back into the game by winning the next two sets 25-20 and 26-24. 

The final set came down to the wire. The Wildcats had a slim lead late, but River Bluff tied the score at 13. Lexington clinched the win after scoring two unanswered points and reaching the target score of 15. 

Players on both sides made big plays throughout the night. River Bluff’s Alexis Jodie finished with 54 assists, and Caroline Tucker had 32 kills. The Wildcats’ senior stars showed up and led their team to victory in the second-to-last game of their high school career. 

While neither Lexington nor River Bluff went on to win a state championship, they were the two farthest-advancing teams in Lexington County. They will regroup in the offseason and look to make a push next year. 

Lexington will look very different in 2025. Many of its best players this year were seniors and will not be back. 

Jasia Brunson, Emily Derienzo and Jazlyn Snow led the team in kills this season. All three are seniors. Sydney Fischer led the team in aces and assists and was named to the 5A All-State team. She is also a senior and will not be back in 2025. 

River Bluff is a bit younger and can return many key contributors, including Jodie and Tucker.  

While no other teams are in contention, some of Lexington’s best athletes will take the court one more time this year for the annual North-South volleyball game. 

Lexington, River Bluff and White Knoll will be represented in the 4A/5A game. 

Lexington County All-State and All-Star Selections

Sydney Fischer — Lexington — 5A All-State, 4A/5A All-Star

Jasia Brunson — Lexington — 4A/5A All-Star

Alexis Jodie — River Bluff — 5A All-State 

Masyn McClanahan — River Bluff — 5A All-State, 4A/5A All-Star

Autumn Salomon — White Knoll — 4A/5A All-Star

Ivy Collins — Swansea — 3A All-State