The Sutherlin volleyball team beat Harrisburg in a five set thriller Saturday in the first round of the 3A state playoffs to advance to the state tournament.

Set scores were 25-16, 25-14, 16-25, 19-25, 15-10. Alyssa Fox had 21 kills and 28 digs for Sutherlin (18-9). Tianna Murphy had 21 assists and nine digs. Carmen Ganger had four aces, seven kills and three blocks. Kaybie Rutledge had six kills, two blocks and 10 digs while Makayla Murphy had two aces, seven kills, 16 assists and seven digs. “This win was such an unreal feeling,” Alyssa Fox said. “I’m so excited I get to experience state for the first time and get to go with such an amazing team.” “It was a fantastic match battling back and forth with Harrisburg,” Sutherlin coach Kathy Rice said. “Much respect to the Harrisburg team and their coach. I am very proud of my girls for sticking together as a team and never giving up on each other.” Sutherlin will travel next Friday to Forest Grove High School where they will face top ranked Santiam Christian at 1:15 p.m. in a quarterfinal match. The Bulldogs could face county rival South Umpqua in a semifinal matchup later Friday night if both teams advance. The Lancers (18-7) beat Oregon Episcopal in straight sets Saturday to also advance to the 3A state tournament. Alyssa Fox goes for a kill. Photo by Rich Murphy.