The Tigers (14-13) relied on a pair of underclassmen to lead the way at net in their 25-15, 25-16, 25-23 victory. They advanced to Monday’s regional quarterfinal round against Aplington-Parkersburg (15-16).

Freshman Ellie Anderson blasted 17 kills and sophomore Jaidyn Teske added eight more for South Hardin, which beat South Hamilton (14-19) for the second time this season.

The Hawks, who dropped seven of their final eight matches, had a chance to extend the match by opening up a 22-19 lead in the third set. But South Hardin rattled off six of the final seven points to finish off the sweep.

South Hardin jumped out to an early 9-3 advantage in the opening set and led by as many as eight points before South Hamilton mounted a comeback. The Hawks closed to within 17-15 and then watched the Tigers score the final eight points.

South Hamilton’s Hailey Diersen (right) goes on the attack from the middle of the court against South Hardin Tuesday night in Eldora. Photo by Angela Hewitt

A slew of early mistakes cost South Hamilton in the second set, as the Tigers raced out to a 13-5 lead and never looked back.

There were 10 ties and five lead changes in the final set. A Hailey Diersen block gave South Hamilton a 20-19 edge in the latter stages.

Final statistics for South Hamilton weren’t available as of press time.

The Hawks said goodbye to four seniors — Hailey Cavan, Emily Greenfield, Kylee Gunderson and Makena Keller.