Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Troup volleyball team is Elite Eight bound. 

The Tigers put on a sensational performance on Saturday, beating Woodland High in straight sets to advance to the state quarterfinals.

“We knew that we could do this, but the girls are really putting it together,” Troup coach Hutch Blair said. “They come in every day with energy at practice and that translates over to the games.” 

It was a comfortable win for Troup, who trumped the Wolfpack 25-11, 25-8, and 25-10. This was complete domination from the word go.

“We have a great group of girls that bring the right attitude to the court,” Blair said. 

Troup was led to victory by their talented quartet of seniors. Hailey Clark set the ball up for Haley Blair and Gracie Horton, who consistently slammed the ball down the throats of the Wolfpack. Anytime the Tigers needed a defensive block, Kaityln Williams was there.

“They are great leaders, and they make it a lot easier for everybody else to figure out where they are supposed to be,” Blair said. “They are always there to rally the troops. They make sure to always keep it all about the team.”

It was not just the seniors that dominated on Saturday. Lanier Glisson, Madison Knight, Jamiya Reed and others helped power Troup to an easy win in the round of 16. 

Troup is rolling having won its two playoff games 3-1 and 3-0. Outside their locker room it might be a Cinderella run as the Tigers are the only remaining four seed left in the AAAA state playoffs. But inside the locker room is a real belief in this team.

The other three teams from region 4-4A that made the playoffs also made the state quarterfinals as the region currently makes up half of the remaining field in AAAA.

“I knew that our schedule was difficult to start out the season, and I told the girls it was for a reason,” Blair said. “We knew that playing those tough teams would help prepare us for the playoffs.”

The girls share a bond that goes beyond volleyball, allowing this off the court chemistry to bleed over onto the court. 

“Most of the girls are going out after this to go bowling in Atlanta since we are here,” Blair said. “The girls have really come together as a team.”

Troup will travel to Central Carrollton on Tuesday to play in the state quarterfinals. It will be a tough task as Central Carrollton (26-15-1) is one of the top teams in AAAA.

“If we come in with a great attitude like this, then maybe we can keep this thing rolling,” Blair said. “We have to keep a positive attitude and play our game.”