The Meadowview Christian Lady Trojans volleyball team defeated North River in the first round of the region tournament on Tuesday afternoon in their home gym.

“It means a lot for the program,” MCS head volleyball coach Tim Burton said. “We finished first in our area and we had to come in and play someone from outside our area to prove that we could carry that side. It sets us up to go to the state playoffs regardless of what we do Thursday for the region playoff.”

The top-seeded Lady Trojans won the match in straight sets 25-16, 25-17 and 25-8 to advance to the next round.

“They were kind of sloppy in the first two games,” Burton said. “I think they were nervous because they knew this game meant a lot. If we had lost this one, then we were through. They came out in the third game and played like they were supposed to. Everybody got together and they played some good volleyball in that game.”

Reagan Burton played well for the Trojans from the setter position, according to Tim.

“She had a good run of serves in that last game that really took us over the top,” Tim said.

After the game, the team got to celebrate homecoming with the rest of their classmates at the bonfire behind the gym.

Alyssa Verhoff and Zack Duke did the honors and put the torches to the tall pile of broken tree limbs and dead leaves.

“I feel very relieved. If we had lost that one, finishing first in our region wouldn’t have meant anything because we would’ve been through,” Tim said. “Winning that ensures that we go to state, and since we’re going that means we have a chance.”

The win advances Morgan to play the winner of the Patrician Academy versus Escambia Academy game on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Southern Academy.

Now that they’ve reached the second round of the region tournament, the Lady Trojans are now playing for seeding in the state tournament.