Lovejoy making run at fifth straight state title

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Four-time defending 3A state champion Lovejoy will get a crack at the 4A state tournament after beating Frisco, 25-15, 25-20, 25-13, in the Class 4A Region II final at Richardson Berkner.

Lovejoy (46-4) will play Cedar Park (40-7) in a 4A state semifinal at 7 p.m., Thursday at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland.

Senior Ebony Nwanebu led Lovejoy with 22 kills -- including 11 in the third game -- six blocks and 12 digs. Senior Mallorie Puckett had 10 kills and 16 digs. Setter Shannon Connell contributed 45 assists.

Lovejoy, which is playing its first year in at the 4A level, has now won 29 consecutive playoff games.