Republic is into the district volleyball semifinals after a Saturday sweep over Lebanon, 25-11, 25-21, 25-16.
With the exception of a tight second set, Republic controlled play most of the night. Six straight points early in the first, including five on Alaina Norman’s serve, helped Republic build a 6-5 lead to 12-5. The Lady Tigers eventually built the lead to 11 points, at 20-9, then won five of the next seven points to finish it out.
In the second set, Lebanon led by as many as four points early. With the Yellow Jackets on top 14-12, Kailey Manes won four consecutive service points to put Republic ahead 16-14, but Lebanon responded with four consecutive points of its own. A late surge by Republic made the diference. Trailing 19-17, Republic won eight of the next ten points to take a two-set lead.
Republic won the first seven points of the third set and never trailed the rest of the day.
Manes and Rilynn Finley each had 10 kills to lead Republic. Addison Fanning had four blocks up front, and Finley led the team with eight digs. Manes added three service aces, and Brooklyn Claxton finished with 21 assists.
The sweep is Republic’s 26th win of the season. The Lady Tigers are 26-9. They advance to the district semifinals, where they will face top-seeded Nixa. They’ll play at Republic Monday at 6:00 pm.
