The Buford volleyball team will get a chance to earn back-to-back state titles after they came from behind to defeat Pope 3-2 in the state semifinals.
The Wolves fell behind 0-2 as the Greyhounds took the first to sets with scores of 21-25 and 24-26 on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at the Lakepoint Sports Complex in Cartersville. Buford would rally back to take the last three sets with scores of 25-11, 25-19 and 15-9.
“I don’t think I have ever been more proud of a team for the way my girls trusted in each other and fought back,” said Buford head coach Hadli Daniels.
Buford (36-4) was led offensively by junior Ashley Sturzoiu who had 17 kills against Pope. Other offensive standouts for the Wolves were senior Kiana Polk (13 kills), senior Mikayla Hayden (11 kills), junior Sydney Austin (10 kills) and senior Camryn Carlton (eight kills).
“Our setter Polly Cummings did a phenomenal job getting the ball to all of our hitters with her 58 assists,” Daniels said.
Junior Dylan Cummings and sophomore Ella Jane Williams led the Wolves’ defense against the Greyhounds with 14 digs each.
After defeating Pope, Buford has punched their ticket to the GHSA Class AAAAAA State Volleyball Championship title game. The Wolves will face Sequoyah on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 5 p.m. at the Lakepoint Sports Complex in Cartersville.
“I’m so excited for them all, but especially for my seniors who just weren’t ready for their season to end quite yet!” said Daniels.
Buford is looking to defend their state title against a tough opponent. Sequoyah has an overall season record of 50-3 and is the No. 2 ranked team in Georgia while Buford is ranked at No. 5.
Featured photo above: Buford’s student section dubbed “The Real Wolfgang” helped the volleyball team celebrate the win over Pope on Saturday, Oct. 30 which has advanced them to the state finals. Photo courtesy of Buford volleyball
