The Oxford Blackhawks volleyball team hosted Unatego in the opening round of the Section IV, Class D playoffs. Oxford swept the Spartans 3-0 to advance to Thursday’s pool play in Candor. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

OXFORD – After a great 2023 regular season, the Oxford Blackhawks earned a high seed to host the first round of sectionals.

Oxford welcomed sixth seed Unatego on Tuesday evening, where the Spartans gave the Blackhawks a battle, even in the final set. However, Oxford came away with the sweep. They now advance to the next round of Section IV, Class Pool Play in Candor.

Oxford was down at the start of the second and third set, but their team effort powered through to give them the overall advantage.

The Blackhawks had good momentum, going into the third set, but Unatego gave them a hard time. It was back-and-forth with the ball shifting sides on each point, until Oxford found its groove to earn the close 25-21 win to achieve the sweep.

The Blackhawks, playing on their home court one final time in 2023, were led by seniors Ava Benjamin, Quinnlin LaMonica, Brianna Fowlston, Mya-Rae Roys, and sophomore Emerson LaMonica. Benjamin, the team’s main setter, came away with 20 assists and four aces while Quinnlin led the team with eight aces and 10 kills. Brianna Fowlston contributed with five kills while Emerson had four and Roys with three kills. Roys also had four digs in the win.

Oxford will face the number two seed and MAC League volleyball champions, Delhi on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in Candor. Admission will be charged through GOFAN Digital Ticketing.

Full Results:

OX 3 - UN 0

OX 25 - 18

OX 25 - 14

OX 25 - 21

Other Sectional Volleyball scores:

Bainbridge-Guilford falls to Spencer-Van Etten 3-0 in the opening round of the Section IV, Class C playoffs.