Newton- The East Burke volleyball team improved on their score upon each set vs. Bandys in Tuesday’s Catawba Valley 2A tournament semifinals hosted by Newton-Conover.

The Lady Cavaliers (13-12) ultimately fell to the Lady Trojans in three sets ending a six-game winning streak.

East Burke held an early lead to start the opening set led by key plays from Raegan Carter until Bandys built up a 12-5 lead.

Carter, Bree Winkler, and JV call-up Amanda McLean made plays to cut into the Lady Trojans lead.

Another JV call-up Karlie Chester made a spike kill in the second set to disrupt the momentum of Bandys along with Carter, McLean, Addy Fortenberry, and Caroline Pruitt making key plays to gain possession.

The Lady Cavaliers built up strong leads of 6-2, 9-3, and 11-5 off serving aces by Hermione Garro and Pruitt until Bandys stole the lead away.

Fortenberry and McLean also made a serving ace against the Lady Trojans.

On Monday night, the Lady Cavaliers escaped with a four-set home win over Lincolnton

The visiting Lady Wolves were led by senior middle hitter Camellia Holland who recorded 17 kills.

Carter, McLean, Fortenberry, and Greene teamed up to lead in the opening set win.

The Lady Cavaliers got behind early in the second set as a serving ace by Allison Teague pushed them ahead for a 2-0 advantage.

East Burke only led once in the third set as Lincolnton avoided a straight-set sweep.

Things sure got intense in the fourth set as there were 11 ties but the efforts of Greene, Fortenberry, McLean, and Garro were just enough to wrap up the first-round tournament win.

Stat leaders for the Lady Cavaliers included Fortenberry (10 kills vs Lincolnton), Greene (2 aces vs Lincolnton), Carter (5 kills vs Bandys, 3 blocks vs Lincolnton, 2 blocks vs Bandys), Garro (10 digs vs Lincolnton & Bandys), Pruitt (15 assists vs Lincolnton, 7 assists vs Bandys), and McLean (2 blocks vs Bandys).

East Burke is expected to continue their season in the 2A state playoffs starting Saturday.