Murphy Edges Elkin in Five-Set Playoff Thriller

MURPHY, N.C. — Two teams were fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive Saturday, but it was Murphy that found just enough to move on. The Bulldogs outlasted the Elkin Buckin’ Elks in a five-set battle, 3-2, in the opening round of the NCHSAA volleyball playoffs.

While Murphy actually scored fewer total points across the match (100-97), they came through when it mattered most, taking the decisive fifth set 15-13. Set scores were 25-21, 18-25, 25-16, 14-25, 15-13.

The victory brought Murphy back to an even 11-11 on the season and ended Elkin’s year at 9-16.

Next up, the Bulldogs will travel to face Cornerstone Charter on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. The Cardinals enter the matchup riding a 17-match winning streak after sweeping Leadership Academy 3-0 in their last outing.

Murphy’s defense will have its hands full with Cornerstone standouts Emery Jones and Aubrey Kimball. In the Cardinals’ latest win, Jones tallied 10 digs, four aces, and three assists, while Kimball added 13 digs and four assists. Cornerstone also continued its dominance from the service line, posting 11 aces — the 37th straight match with at least five.

Cornerstone Charter improved to 23-4 and will look to keep their streak alive, but Murphy will be looking to pull off another postseason upset to keep their playoff run alive.