The Assumption High School volleyball team took a giant step toward a third straight state championship Monday night.

Sophomore Julia Lee had 13 kills and senior Emily Keiran led an impenetrable defense with 26 digs as the host Rockets beat Mercy 25-9, 25-19, 25-18 in the first round of the state tournament .

No. 1-ranked Assumption (37-4) advanced to face the Knott County Central-Shelby Valley winner in Friday’s 11 a.m. state quarterfinal at George Rogers Clark High School.

Assumption is looking to add to its record 24 state championships.

No. 3 Mercy finished 28-11.

This story will be updated.

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.

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