The No. 3 Joseph Case girls volleyball team did not know what to expect in Wednesday's playoff contest against No. 14 East Longmeadow.

 

The Spartans came into the contest with the program's best record in school history of 19-3.

 

What transpired in the next hour was all smiles and celebration for the Cardinals.

 

"We never take any game for granted," said senior Madilyn Botelho, who finished with 11 kill shots and six digs in a 3-0 win against East Longmeadow in the Division 3 Sweet 16 match at Joseph Case High School. "Anything can happen in this sport. It's important to know that any game could be your last."

 

With the victory, Case (20-2) advance to its fourth straight Elite 8 contest. The Cardinals will take on No. 11 Newburyport Saturday, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

 

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