CHARLESTON, W.Va (WV News) — Philip Barbour finished day one of the Class AA state volleyball tournament in dominant fashion on Tuesday night, defeating No. 6-seeded Charleston Catholic 3-0 to advance to Thursday’s state title match.
“I had a mom moment in the locker room,” Coach Halfin said. “I was crying a little bit because I told them that I know I have to say goodbye to them. I just didn’t want to do that tonight.
I want to say goodbye on Thursday. When I do, I want to be crying happy tears.” It creates a rematch from the 2023 title game in which the Colts faced Oak Glen.
The Golden Bears are the No. 1 seed and reigning champions. “For years it was Oak Glen and Philip Barbour,” coach Halfin said.
“I hope the outcome is different this time. They are a tough team. From this point, everything matters.
We’re going to try to go hard. Hopefully we will show up to play.” In the first set, MacKenna Halfin had seven kills as she helped take the Colts on a run.
Halfin had four of them in the final five points of the set to give the Colts a win, 25-14. The last one came on a stray ball above the net that MacKenna angled her arm and crushed into open space. It demonstrated her ability to hit for both power and accuracy.
“I go back to her vertical,” coach Halfin said. “It’s insane. She’s up in the air, looking and can cut it any way she wants.
That’s what makes her a truly special player. She can see it from anywhere.” Halfin finished the match w.