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The Landrum Cardinals made an impressive run in the 2023 2A South Carolina State Volleyball Championships, winning the Upper State crown before falling to Bishop England in the state finals.

After earning the Region 1 2A title, the Cardinals (20-8, 9-1) secured a #1 seed in the playoffs.. They went into the tournament on a six-match winning streak after avenging their only Region loss to Liberty.

In the first round, the Cardinals dominated Saluda Tigers (2-15, 0-7) at home in three straight sets: 25-15, 25-11, and 25-19. They then faced the Pelion Panthers (14-4-1, 7-1) in the second round and again won in three straight sets 25-15, 25-13, and 25-19.

The Cardinals then overpowered the Chesnee Eagles (8-12, 5-5) in three straight games: 25-14, 25-20, and 25-15, despite Chesnee’s familiarity with the team.

In the Upper State finals, the Cardinals defeated the Ninety-Six Wildcats (20-6, 7-1) in three sets: 25-17, 25-14, 25-18 to take home the Upper State Championship. 

The Cardinals advanced to the SCHSL tournament finals held at Dreher High School in Columbia, where they faced Bishop England in the final match. The Cardinals lost to the Battling Bishops (33-9-4, 8-0) in consecutive sets: 25-10, 25-18, 25-21.

Throughout the tournament, Preslee Quinn, Madi Smith, Halie Cantrell, Sarah Lancaster, Allie-Mae Martin and Emma Smith were the standout players for the Cardinals.

Looking ahead to next season, the Cardinals will return a strong team that will look to defend their Region title and contend for the State Championship once again.