The Griffin Christian Lady Crusaders volleyball team made quick work of The Gatewood School Monday evening at home in the first round of the GISA Class AA state playoffs, dispatching them in three games to advance to the state quarterfinals Friday at 1 p.m. in Augusta.

“Last year, we lost our first-round state playoff match at home,” said GC senior Cara Grobbelaar, who celebrated her birthday Monday. “It was nice to get a home state win this year. And since it’s my last home volleyball match, it was real nice to go out with a win.”

GC (25-2) wasn’t nice to the visiting Gatewood School, putting the team out of its misery quickly. The Lady Crusaders beat Gatewood 25-7, 25-11 and 25-3 in a match that didn’t last an hour.

“We were ready today,” said junior setter Madison Bertelsbeck.

Gatewood couldn’t handle GC’s serves all evening long. In the deciding Game 3, Abby Yarbrough served 9 straight points and senior Brittany Foster served 13 straight to close out The Gatewood School and move on to the state quarters. GC will face the winner between Oak Mountain and First Presbyterian School Friday at 1 p.m. at Augusta Prep Day School.

Should GC win the quarterfinal match, the Lady Crusaders will play in the semifinals that same day at 5:30 p.m. The GISA Class AA state volleyball finals will be Saturday at 1 or 6 p.m.