Stallions advance to semifinals

Wendy Alexander/the Madera Tribune

Madera South’s Veronica Ramirez rises up for a kill attempt. Ramirez had 12 kills in a playoff victory over Golden West on Thursday.

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Madera South traveled to Bakersfield to face No. 2 East on Tuesday

Before the Central Section playoffs began, Madera South Stallions girls volleyball head coach Travis McEowen thought his team was a top three seed in the Div. III playoffs.

However, the section gave the Stallions a No. 6 seed in the playoffs.

After a 3-1 match win over No. 11 Dinuba in the first round, the Stallions proved they deserved the top three seed after a victory over No. 3 Golden West-Visalia on Thursday.

The Stallions defeated the Trailblazers 26-24, 25-22, 25-20 to set up Tuesday’s semifinal battle with No. 2 seed East of Bakersfield.

Jazzlyn Vargas led the team with 13 kills. Veronica Ramirez added 12 kills and Danae Prudente finished with nine kills.

Hannah Eades served up two aces, but one of her aces ended the first set for a Stallions victory. Setter Elissa Escobar added 35 assists in the win.