St. Pius X High School has reached the Class 1-AAA state semifinals after winning Oct. 25 sectional games over Northside, Columbus; Mary Persons; and Ringgold 3-0. In Pius’ three matches, the team was led by senior outside hitter Ellen Marsau with 24 kills. Freshman middle blocker Alex Bidgood also added 18 kills. Senior setter Hannah Sprague had 75 assists. Marsau and defensive specialist Kayte Brinkman led the team with 17 digs. Pius (48-12) will face Creekview High School (32-13) of Canton at Marist School, Thursday, Oct. 30.

Marist School, Atlanta, advanced to the Final Four after winning all three sectional matches Oct. 25 against Hiram, Northwest Whitfield and McIntosh without losing a game. Over the three matches the team was led by senior outside hitter Paige Weiland with 41 kills and 11 aces, and senior libero (the team’s highly skilled defensive player) Nicole Choi who had eight aces and 49 digs. Whitney Weiland, senior right-side hitter and the identical twin sister of Paige, and junior outside hitter Laura Brown added 14 and 15 kills, respectively. Marist coach Anna Bush also noted the exceptional play of senior Whitney Hagan and sophomore Ashley McDowell in helping Marist advance. Marist will take on Sprayberry High School of Marietta, Thursday, Oct. 30, on its home court.

The volleyball team at Our Lady of Mercy High School, Fairburn, finished third in its Class A/AA area tournament at Landmark High School Oct. 18. In state tournament play they lost 3-1 to Decatur High School at Wesleyan School, Norcross. Just before Mercy’s season ended the following four players were recognized: Freshman outside hitter Olivia Schmitz and freshman right side hitter Ashlyn Bodkin were named to the Class A/AA Area 3 all-area team. Junior middle hitter Sam Morris and junior outside hitter Kalie Ludvigsen were named to the Class A/AA Area 3 honorable mention all-area team.