District Champions!

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Republic overcame a slow start to win another district volleyball title Thursday, beating Joplin and Nixa to advance to the state tournament.

The night started slowly for Republic, as they dropped the first set of their district semifinal match to Joplin, 24-26. But the Lady Tigers stormed back, winning the next two sets in dominating fashion, 25-9 25-10, to advance to the district championship match.

In the semifinal, Brooke Stanfield led Republic with eight kills. Maddy Sherman had 21 digs. Michayla Shanks and Micah Mansker had two blocks apiece, and Emily Preston had 26 assists for the Lady Tigers.

In the championship match, Republic beat Nixa in straight sets, 25-18 25-21. Senior Lexi Birlew had nine kills to lead Republic. Emily Preston had two blocks to go along with her 23 assists. Maddy Sherman had 21 digs and Brooke Stanfield contributed two blocks for the Lady Tigers defense.

Republic improves to 23-10-1. They will host the state sectionals and quarterfinals Saturday. Republic will play Columbia Rock Bridge at 2:30 p.m. Their match follows the earlier sectional between Jefferson City and Ozark. The winners of the two sectional matches will meet in the quarterfinals around 4 p.m.

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