McDERMOTT - Even though the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers were missing one key starter, they didn't miss a beat.

Ironton swept three straight games from the Fairland Lady Dragons 25-20, 25-21 and 25-20 Wednesday in the Division II sectional tournament.

The Lady Tigers were playing without senior Sarah Cartmell due to an ankle injury. Cartmell was averaging 11 points and nine kills per game.

"The team played extremely hard and their performance was outstanding, especially without Cartmell," Ironton coach Beth Freeman said. "But we gave up too many serves, which we need to tighten up before our next game against Portsmouth."

Next up is the sectional finals against Portsmouth on Saturday. Portsmouth advanced by beating Rock Hill 25-17, 25-18, 25-23. Ironton split its two games with Portsmouth during the regular season.

Andrea Rudmann and Mandi Boykin led the Lady Tigers effort. Rudmann had 23 kills to go with 10 points including five aces. Boykin racked up 14 points, 21 assists and had 8 kills.

It was Ironton's third straight win over Fairland this season.

Division II Volleyball

Sectional Tournament

Ironton won 25-20, 25-21, 25-20. SCORING: Mandi Boykin 14 (3 aces), Andrea Rudmann 10 (5 aces), Ali Markins 9 (4 aces), Tracy Mays 6, Sara Hacker 4, Kayla Wileman 3. KILLS: Andrea Rudmann 23, Mandi Boykin 8. ASSISTS: Mandi Boykin 21. DIGS: Tracy Mays 4.