By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — One semifinal was a decisive thumping by top-seeded Hardin Park over the No. 4-seed, Cove Creek (25-19, 25-10). The other semifinal was a nailbiter of a sweep by No. 3 upstart Blowing Rock at the expense of No. 2-seeded Parkway (25-20, 26-24). The final, though, went pretty much according to pro forma expectations, with the Rockets coming back to Earth in a 2-0 sweep by the Golden Eagles (25-5, 25-13).
Hardin Park had a near-perfect season, losing only one set throughout the season, to the Parkway, which finished the regular season No. 2. After a strong finish to the regular season, Blowing Rock finished No. 3 but didn’t surprise many by their strong showing in the tournament as the runner-up.
48 BONUS PHOTOS (click on any image for larger size and Slide Show Mode)
All photographic images by David Rogers for High Country Sports