UPSTATE—More proof that the Pickens County/Powdersville area is a hotbed for high school volleyball has come as all five schools in the Easley Progress coverage area have earned spots in the state playoffs.

Liberty defeated Walhalla 25-18, 25-23, 19-25 and 25-20 last Thursday in a game to determine which team would get the second place spot from the Skyline AA conference. The win was important, as Liberty will now host Broome 6 p.m., Monday, instead of having to travel to Woodruff for their first-round game in the state playoffs. If Liberty defeats Broome, the Red Devils will either travel to Keenan or host Saluda in the second round of the tournament on Wednesday.

The state championship game is set for 1 p.m., Nov. 7, at White Knoll High School.

On the AAA level, Pickens is in somewhat of an unfamiliar territory, as the Blue Flame placed second in the Western AAA conference, falling behind Daniel.

The Blue Flame host Greenville 6 p.m. Tuesday. If Pickens wins, the Blue Flame will likely travel to Lugoff-Elgin for its second-round game in the playoffs on Thursday.

Western AAA champions Daniel will host J.L. Mann 6 p.m. Tuesday. If the Lions win, they will host the winner of the Chapin-Chapman game Thursday.

The state championship game is set for 4 p.m., Nov. 7, at White Knoll High School.

Easley and Wren will both open the playoffs on the road Tuesday. Wren will face Region 2-AAAA champions Dorman. If the Hurricanes can upset Dorman, they will travel to face the winner of the Blythewood-Northwestern game in the second round of the state AAAA playoffs.

Easley, who finished third in Region 1-AAAA despite going through a mid-season coaching change, will travel to Hillcrest. If the Green Wave can defeat the Rams, they will either travel to Rock Hill or host Clover in the second round of the playoffs.