Recap: Lugoff-Elgin volleyball | The State

Lugoff-Elgion’s rise in volleyball prominence continued in 2009. The Demons were highly ranked all season in the Class 3A coaches poll, finished with an overall 29-9 record and won the Region 4-3A championship – the first conference title earned by the program in at least 15 years, according to coach Susan Morris.

The only major disappointment came in the playoffs when L-E lost a bitter 3-2 second-round match at home against vaunted Pickens after taking a 2-0 lead.

Senior middle hitter/blocker Hannah Dedrick and junior outside hitter Claire Noel were named to the all-state and all-region teams. Dedrick was voted the region player of the year, and played the the annual CAWS all-state game.

Senior defensive specialist Marlena Johnson and senior right-side hitter Brandi Shull also earn spots on the all-region team.

The Demons lose five senior regulars to graduation: Dedrick, Johnson, Shull, right-side hitter Chapin Talbot and defensive specialist Charli Brazell.

But five regulars are expected to return next season, including Noel, setters Megan Kirkland and Tyler Kirkland, outside hitter Kayla Hughes and middle hitter/blocker Christina Bell.