varsity.roanoke.com

STEPHANIE POWER I Special to The Roanoke Times

Auburn's Tabby Whitlock attempts a spike during the Eagles' loss to Gate City on Friday. Auburn ends the season with a 24-3 record, while Gate City advances to face Strasburg in the Group A championship match today.

RICHMOND -- There were times in the Group A semifinal match between Auburn and Gate City when it looked like the Eagles were going to crush Gate City.

There were also times when the exact opposite seemed possible.

In a seesaw match between the Region C and Region D champions, it was Gate City who will move on to the championship after defeating Auburn 15-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-12, 15-13 at the Siegel Center on Friday.

Watching the match was like seeing someone trying to balance a baseball bat on their hand. It would sway one way then sway back the other way before it ultimately fell.

"In our district we have Glenvar and Glenvar handed us our two losses in the regular season ... so we were quite used to going back and forth, we knew that's what to expect," said Auburn coach Sherry Millirons. "I kind of figured that it would be a pretty even game.

"Whoever showed up and made the plays at the right time would win."

Unfortunately for Auburn, it was the Blue Devils that made the plays during the deciding Game 5.

"We just had mental errors and kids touching the ball without confidence and just silly mistakes," Millirons said. "We lost confidence and let them back in the game."

After falling behind 4-0, Gate City (24-1) rallied back to take a 13-10 lead and held on for the win.

"Very emotional game for both sides," Gate City coach Amy Reed said. "Back and forth, back and forth and going into that fifth game I really felt like ... whoever had that momentum winning the fourth game would take off in the fifth game."

Gate City didn't take off in the fifth game but did earn the victory.

That sets up a rematch from last year's state championship with Gate City and defending champion Strasburg.

"It's going to be tough," Reed said. "Strasburg knows who we are. It's basically the same team we played last year. We're just faster, stronger and better if we're on our A-game. Tonight we weren't on an A-game."

For Auburn (24-3), there isn't a game to prepare for today.

For seniors, this was it, and it was a little too much for Chelsie Kenley to take as she was unable to answer questions because of her tears.

The Eagles almost got past a team that has now been to the state championship game five straight times. Kenley had 19 kills and 10 blocks to lead the Eagles. Tabby Whitlock added 14 kills and eight blocks.

Ashton Dougherty led Gate City with eight kills, while Tessa Burton added seven kills and 12 blocks.

Gate City and Strasburg will play in the championship today at 5 p.m.