Wando ends White Knoll’s postseason run

Wando volleyball coach Alexis Glover scanned through her preseason roster in August searching for ways to describe the team that would soon begin the Warriors’ state title defense.

It was a lineup littered with inexperience, mostly underclassmen, with just two returning starters.

“Don’t worry, though, I still have a few things up my sleeve,” she assured. “Our goal is always to play for state championships. That doesn’t change.”

Defending Class 4A state champion Wando defeated White Knoll in straight sets, 25-20, 25-20, 25-8, Tuesday to capture its third consecutive lower state title. The Warriors will face off against Dorman in the state championship match Saturday at White Knoll High at 6 p.m.

“I can’t say enough about the way this team has come together the past few months,” Glover said. “In August, we were so young and had to work through some things and we moved past that and are ready to contend with whoever now.”

The loss ends White Knoll’s season at 16-7 and its six-match winning streak. The Timberwolves, the third seed from Region 5-4A, earned road playoff wins over James Island and region champions Socastee and Bluffton to make it to their first lower state championship since making three straight appearances from 2009-11.

White Knoll will graduate six seniors from this year’s squad.

Wando (45-5-2) has fewer losses this season than both of its past two lower state title teams. Glover is putting on one of the best coaching performances of her 34-year Hall of Fame career as she guides the youthful Warriors through its loaded schedule.

Just three upperclassmen have played more than 100 sets for Wando this season. All-state junior hitter Sydney DeJong was a force at the net Tuesday with 13 kills and five blocks.