SIMPSONVILLE – The Easley High volleyball team’s hopes of a 2009 state championship were taken away Tuesday night as the team travelled to Hillcrest High for the first round of the AAAA state playoffs.

The girls put up a good fight, but it wasn’t enough to overtake Ram volleyball team that is led by five senior players to Easley’s one senior player, Brooke Barnes.

Easley fell 3-0 with 25-12, 25-12 and 25-16 loses.

The Easley team has faced quite a few challenges this season with their coach leaving in the middle of the season and a new coach, Steve Antes, taking over. They were hoping to keep their state title hopes alive, but ultimately couldn’t stand up to a more experienced Rams team.

Hillcrest faced Rock Hill on Thursday.

Region 1-AAAA was 0-4 for the first round of the playoffs, as Hanna, Wren and Greenwood also fell. Region champs Hanna was upset by Byrnes.

In AAA play, Daniel and Pickens kept their season alive. Daniel defeated JL Mann 3-0 winning 25-17, 25-12 and 25-19. They played Chapin on Thursday. Pickens defeated Greenville 3-0 winning 25-23, 25-10 and 26-24. They went on to face Lugoff-Elgin in the second round Thursday night.

Visit www.theeasleyprogress.com for updates from the tournament.