NORCROSS - Lassiter showed again just how strong Area 1AAAAA is in volleyball, with Norcross the latest victim in the state volleyball tournament.

The Lady Trojans - only a No. 4 seed - ousted 5AAAAA champ North Cobb in the first round last week. They then did the same thing to 7AAAAA runner-up Norcross on Tuesday night in the second round.

Neither was really an upset, though. Lassiter is 40-10 and was ranked seventh in the coaches poll at the end of the regular season. Five teams from Area 1AAAAA were in the top 10.

"Our area is so strong that you feel fortunate just to make it out," Lassiter coach Greg Hodge said. "Playing those teams makes you battle-tested and tournament-ready."

Lassiter's match with North Cobb went the full five games, and Norcross forced the Lady Trojans to four games before Lassiter prevailed (25-22, 25-27, 25-17, 25-21) in front of a spirited crowd at Norcross.

"They gave us a battle, just like we expected," Hodge said. "Norcross has a very good team."

It was the second year in a row Lassiter and Norcross were paired in the second round. The result was the same.

"This is the second straight time they got us," Norcross coach Kevin Dove said. "Last time, it was five games. This time, it was four. Both times, we were very evenly matched teams."

Katy McCollister had 16 kills, 12 digs and two aces for Lassiter, while Kaele Johnson had 13 kills. Emily Weissert contributed 40 assists, while the defensive effort was bolstered by Melissa Woodall (15 digs), Rachel Jenkins (10 digs) and Becca Arndt (four blocks).

With the victory, Lassiter advanced to Saturday's elite eight at Parkview High School. Seeding for the bracket will be set today.

Briana Jordan had 21 digs and 12 kills for Norcross (21-17), which also lost a close match to Lassiter in September. Alex DeMercy added 18 kills, while Rachel Monteagudo recorded 23 assists and two aces.

"Jordan is an incredible athlete, DeMercy hits the ball about as hard as anyone we face and the setter (Monteagudo) was crafty," Hodge said.

Macy Clark, who joined Jordan and Monteagudo has the Lady Blue Devils' only seniors, also had a strong match, as did Sara Snider. Clark was credited with 22 digs and Snider with 34.