The third time around for Floyd Central volleyball was the charm.
After falling to two-time defending champion Paintsville the past two seasons in the 15th Region tournament finals, the Lady Jaguars overcame a slow start to sweep Pike County Central, 3-0, in a match played at East Ridge High School on Thursday night.
Floyd Central, now 30-7, advances to next week’s state tournament at Valley High School in Louisville, for the first time in school history, following the consolidation of Allen Central and South Floyd. The Lady Jaguars will face North Oldham in the opening round.
Jaden Hall finished with 15 kills and 11 digs in the 25-15, 25-23 and 25-14 win. Allyson Stumbo had 10 kills, two blocks and five digs while Kiara Warren managed eight digs and two serving aces.
Caroline Parson had 15 digs and 14 assists. Amelia Wallace collected 18 assists and seven digs and Gabrielle Howard finished with eight kills and two digs. Alivia Stumbo finished with one kill, eight digs, three aces and six assists.
Allison Turner had six kills, two blocks and two digs. Caley Howard totaled five kills and two blocks.
Pike County Central, playing in its first championship match since 2010, closed out its season at 21-10.