By Tom Price Jr.
The Exeter Monarchs volleyball team overcame 24 errors and a strong Porterville Panthers team to win 3-1 and repeat as Central Section Division 3 champions.
The No. 1 seed Monarchs defeated the No. 6 seed Panthers 25-19, 21-25, 25-11, 25-3.
"Porterville gave us a real battle, but the girls responded with a lot of determination," Exeter coach Alana Montgomery said. "I am really proud of the way the girls never gave up and kept playing hard."
Hollee Hellwig led the team with 13 kills and Savanna Edwards added 10 kills.
Amanda Bybee and Tiffany Marinos kept the match rolling with 15 and 21 digs respectively.
The Monarchs had a season high nine errors in the first game and finished the match with 24.
"Despite our errors I was really proud of the way we played," Montgomery said. "We were always able to step up and make big plays when we needed it."
Both the Panthers and the Monarchs qualified for the Southern California Regionals which begin on Nov. 25. The Monarchs (16-1) will get a home match.
On Thursday, the Monarchs took on Kerman in the semi-finals and defeated them 25-9, 25-13, 25-13. Crisp passing and decisive shots led the Monarchs past Kerman.
"Against Kerman we were very sharp," Montgomery said. "We especially ran our offense very well."
Hellwig had nine kills and Samantha Davis had 8 kills in the win. Davis also led the team in digs with 13 and Marinos and Vonnie Contreras added 10 a piece.
