Southern Lehigh girls volleyball sweeps its way into state quarterfinals

Southern Lehigh (22-0) swept visiting Middletown in three sets, 25-21, 25-20, 26-24 in the first round of the PIAA Class 3A girls volleyball tournament on Tuesday night.

The District 11 champion Spartans were led by Natalie Pristas and Alexis Hoyer, who had 15 and 14 kills, respectively. Abby Stankewicz contributed 14 assists and five blocks, while Trinity-Sky Hunte added 15 assists and four digs.

Southern Lehigh took control early, winning the first set 25-21. The Spartans continued their strong play in the second set, winning 25-20. Middletown, the District 3 runner-up, battled in the third set but ultimately fell 26-24.

With the win, Southern Lehigh advances to the PIAA quarterfinals, where it will face Pope John Paul II (21-0), the District 1 champion. Pope John Paul II defeated Carver Engineering and Science in its first-round match. The quarterfinal matchup is scheduled for Saturday at a time and site to be determined.

Southern Lehigh entered the state tournament with an unblemished 21-0 record after upsetting Eastern Pennsylvania Conference champion Allentown Central Catholic in the District 11 final. The Spartans will look to continue their winning ways against a formidable Pope John Paul II squad in the next round.