Ayden-Grifton, perennial power Fred T. Foard square off in NCHSAA 2-A state volleyball title tilt

From left, Ayden-Grifton head coach Linda Bryant, daughter Alexia, senior middle hitter Emily Dykes and senior Aaleyah Garris listen to an offical before the start of a recent playoff game. NeuseNews/Rudy Coggins

AYDEN - A team of destiny?

The description certainly fits Ayden-Grifton's volleyball team.

Each of the past two rounds in the postseason, the Chargers exacted revenge on two opponents - Carrboro and Wheatmore - that ousted them from the 2017 and 2018 playoffs, respectively.

After those mind-blowing conquests, on the road no less, Ayden-Grifton (22-5 overall) finds itself playing for the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 2-A state championship Saturday.

The last obstacle the third-seeded Chargers face on their historic run is West champ Fred T. Foard. First serve is 7:30 p.m. inside Capel Arena on the Fayetteville State University campus.

Publisher’s Note: Follow Neuse News’ Rudy Coggins on Twitter for the game at @RudyCoggins and follow the hashtag #NeuseNewsScores.

Head coach Linda Bryant felt strongly that if her team advanced past the fourth round, it would go all the way.

"I have that much faith in them," she said. "I really do believe they have the heart. A lot of teams I've coached in the past have not really had the heart and I think these girls have it."

Three seniors and four underclassmen have been the driving force behind Ayden-Grifton's success this season - Aaleyah Garris, Emily Dykes and Alexia Bryant, the coach's daughter. The trio has combined for 821 kills and 123 service aces. Dykes, a Division I recruit, has an eye-popping .618 kill percentage.

Setter Holly Cannon is the floor general. The sophomore has delivered a single-season, program-record 845 assists. She's prospered from the consistent passing of backline mates Caroline Congleton, junior libero Paige and sophomore Abby Langemann.

Foard (31-1) has been almost unstoppable this season.

The Northwestern Foothill champions have swept 28 opponents and lost a total of six sets, including only one in conference play. Regional non-conference foe Watauga handed the Tigers a five-set defeat on Oct. 10.

Foard is 6-0 all-time in state-title game appearances.