Lady Raiders win Upper State Championship
From Staff Reports

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Bianca Rouse sets up for a spike against Bishop- England. Rouse got All- State honors for her play this year.

Led by All- State performer Bianca Rouse, the Keenan Lady Raiders set and spiked themselves to a 2A Upper State Championship by defeating Broome 25- 19, 25- 17, 25- 22 on November 1.

The Lady Raiders finished the season at 20- 2 succumbing in the final 25- 13, 25- 21, and 25- 20 to the most prolific 2A volleyball program in S.C. history, Bishop England. The Lady Bishops have now won a state record 18 titles including the last eight. They never lost a game in this year's playoffs winning each by an average score of 25- 9 prior to facing Keenan.

The Lady Raiders had surrendered only one game themselves entering the Saturday, November 3, final at Dutch Fork blasting through Saluda (2- 0), Pendleton(3- 0), Ninety Six (3- 1), and Broome (3- 0).

This was the fourth straight trip to the playoffs for Keenan. The Lady Raiders have improved each year; losing in the first round in 2004, reaching the second round in 2005, losing in the quarter- finals in 2006 and reaching the finals this year.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Keenan Lady Raiders, 2007 Upper State Champions: Neosha Adams (Sr-#1); Rebekah Davis (Fr-#3); Nieka Jackson (Sr- #7); Samone Jackson ( Jr- #10); Malakia Brown (Jr- #11); Alicia Dixon (Sr- #12); Alexx Niblock (Sr- #13); Bianca Rouse (Jr- #14); Brandolyn Mack (Fr- #21); Alexis Flagler (Jr- #24); Startesha Milhouse- Holmes (Sr- #25); Keosha Scott ( Jr- #35); Stefani Gantt (Sr- #45); Gwen Wilcher, head coach; Betty Gortman, assistant coach; Bethany James and Courtney Snipes, Scorers; David Mesimore, athletics director; Steve Wilson,principal.

The future looks bright as Bianca Rouse leads a talented group returning next year.