Before Porterville High School started their Division 3 volleyball state playoff match against Lakewood High School Tuesday night, history had already been made. Not only was this the Panthers first time hosting a state playoff match, but also playing in one. After the way they lost the section championship match last Thursday night to Bullard, they could have just folded up their tents and gone home. Instead, after a much needed few days off, the Panthers pulled themselves off the ground to win their first volleyball state playoff match in school history, defeating the Lancers 25-16, 26-24, 20-25, 25-13.
The Panthers got off to a quick start in Game 1 as Ryeann Anthony and Ryleigh Schoonover provided kills to give PHS a quick 3-0 lead. After the Lancers cut the deficit to 3-2 the Panthers went on a four point run, getting 2 kills from Haiden Arbelo and an ace from Schoonover to take a 7-2 advantage.
Lakewood, behind star hitter Lalelei Hall stormed back to tie the first game at 9. Hall, who’s headed to Fresno State to play her volleyball next year, provided 4 kills in that stretch to help bring the Lancers back…