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Robbinsville's Christian Koeller leaps into position for top control during Saturday's first-round match against Mountain Island Charter. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com
Newland -- The Robbinsville Black Knights made it to yet another 1A Western Regional Dual Team Final on Wednesday night, but were unable to punch their ticket to a state-title match.
Robbinsville (32-3) took a sizable lead over Alleghany (No. 4) in the regional semifinals at Avery County High School, seceding the final four bouts to the Trojans via forfeit and still prevailing 36-33.
But the strategy of holding fresh bodies back for the regional finals did not pay off. The hosting Vikings (No. 2) defeated Mount Airy before edging the Knights 36-28 in the regional finals. It was Robbinsville's second-straight year falling to Avery County in the 1A Western title match.
The Vikings' win ensured a rematch of last year's state finals, as Uwharrie Charter Academy (No. 1) took care of the Eastern crown Wednesday. The programs will meet inside the Greensboro Coliseum Fieldhouse for the 1A championship Saturday.
Look for more coverage in the Feb. 8 edition of The Graham Star.