Photo courtesy of Tracy Marsh Knotts Philip Barbour players celebrate after defeating Berkeley Springs Monday night in Philippi to capture one of the Class AA, Region II co-finals.

PHILIPPI — Top-seed Philip Barbour has secured its 24th straight trip to the state volleyball tourney, while Buckhannon-Upshur remains in the hunt for a trip to Charleston.

The defending state champion Lady Colts advanced with a straight-set (25-14, 25-15, 25-12) victory over fourth-seed Berkeley Springs Monday at home in Class AA, Region II action.

Junior Izzy Knotts tallied 22 kills and six blocks, junior Finley Carpenter nine kills, 19 assists and five blocks and sophomore Gracie Wolfe six kills and 16 assists and sophomore Leann Moss 18 digs in the win over the Lady Indians.

Philip Barbour has won seven state titles in school history.

South Harrison also advanced to states as the other Class AA, Region II representative.

The Lady Hawks defeated visiting Petersburg (18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-15) in Monday’s other co-regional final.

In the Class AAAA South Region tourney, B-U faces Hurricane this evening, with the winner advancing to face Parkersburg for one of the four state spots coming out of the region.

Elkins was eliminated by Robert C. Byrd Monday in Class AAA, Region II action at Bridgeport High School.

The Lady Flying Eagles will visit top-seed Bridgeport today, needing two wins to advance to states.

In the Class A, Region II tourney, Tygarts Valley was eliminated by Pocahontas County Monday in a game played at Paw Paw.

In the other part of the region, Tucker County defeated Union on Monday but was then eliminated later in the evening by state-bound and host East Hardy.

Pendleton County is slated to host either Pocahontas County or Paw Paw tonight, needing just one win to move on to states.