Not many people gave the Heritage Patriots much of a chance to advance out of Saturday’s 3A volleyball regional against powerhouse New Castle.
After it was all said and done at Norwell, the Patriots walked off the court with their heads held high after showing they most definitely belonged on that postseason stage despite a straight-set loss to the Trojans.
Heritage led early in the first set, but ultimately lost the opener, 25-22.
New Castle showed why their program already had seven regional titles coming into the afternoon with their second-set showing, winning 25-19.
The Patriots led through much of the third set and looked like they would be forcing a fourth, but a late run by New Castle gave them match point and they took the first chance they had to see off Heritage, taking the third set 26-24.
New Castle will advance to the Plymouth 3A Semi-State, where they will play NorthWood in the second semifinal. The first semifinal will feature Angola and Bishop Noll, with the two winners meeting for a 7:30 p.m. final for the north berth in the state championship match the following week.
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