Manteo Completes Remarkable Comeback Against Camden County, Punches Ticket to 2A State Championship

Written by Christian Bateman 

MANTEO, N.C. — The atmosphere was electric, the stakes could not have been higher, and the night delivered everything expected from a championship showdown. When the final point was scored, it was the underdog Manteo Lady Redskins celebrating one of the most memorable victories in program history.

For the first time since 2003, Manteo is headed to the NCHSAA 2A Volleyball State Championship Game.

In a thrilling five-set battle, the Lady Redskins overcame a two-set deficit to defeat Camden County in the 2026 NCHSAA 2A Eastern Regional Championship. After dropping the opening two sets by identical 25-17 scores, Manteo stormed back to win the final three sets, 25-17, 28-26 and 15-12, completing an unforgettable reverse sweep.

Head coach Heather Sulkowski and the Lady Redskins (20-3) accomplished what they had been unable to do during the regular season: defeat a Camden County team that had beaten them twice earlier in the year.

This time, with a trip to the state championship on the line, Manteo refused to be denied.

Camden County Takes Command Behind Bailey Miller’s Return

Camden County entered the regional championship with confidence, and the Bruins wasted little time establishing their presence at the net.

One of the biggest storylines entering the matchup was the return of standout Bailey Miller, who had missed the postseason due to injury. Despite the setback, Miller returned to the court determined to help lead her team to a state championship appearance.

Her impact was immediate.

Alongside Reese Underhill and Brinley Gray, Miller helped establish a powerful offensive attack that repeatedly found openings in Manteo’s defense.

The Bruins captured the opening set 25-17, using their height, aggressive hitting and ability to capitalize on opportunities at the net.

Manteo responded by jumping out to a 3-0 advantage in the second set, but Camden County quickly regained control. The Bruins’ offensive trio continued to deliver timely kills, preventing the Lady Redskins from building sustained momentum.

Camden County claimed the second set 25-17, moving within one set of advancing to the state championship.

Miller’s determination was especially impressive. After an injury threatened to end her season, the talented Camden County standout returned when her team needed her most, showcasing the competitive spirit and ability that make her a promising collegiate prospect.

However, with their season hanging in the balance, the Lady Redskins were far from finished.

Manteo Finds Its Rhythm, Begins Unforgettable Comeback

Trailing two sets to none, Manteo needed a spark.

That energy came from Bella Huntingford, whose presence at middle hitter helped change the momentum of the match.

Huntingford’s ability to challenge Camden County’s attackers at the net became a critical factor as the Lady Redskins adjusted their defensive approach.

Rather than allowing the Bruins to continue finding success with powerful attacks from the outside, Manteo began closing gaps and establishing a stronger blocking presence.

Camden County maintained the advantage for much of the third set, but the Lady Redskins continued to battle, refusing to let their championship hopes slip away.

Manteo eventually seized control and captured the third set 25-17, cutting Camden County’s match lead to 2-1.

Suddenly, the momentum began shifting.

Aubrie Shannon Helps Force Decisive Fifth Set

The fourth set delivered the intensity expected from two conference rivals competing for a regional championship.

Camden County continued to apply pressure, with Addisyn Allen providing valuable contributions through aggressive serving and timely kills.

The Bruins appeared capable of closing out the match, but Manteo demonstrated the resilience that had defined its postseason run.

Junior Aubrie Shannon emerged as a key contributor, helping the Lady Redskins stay within striking distance during several crucial exchanges.

Neither team was willing to surrender an inch.

With the set extending beyond the traditional 25-point finish, every rally carried enormous significance. Manteo eventually prevailed 28-26, completing its comeback from a two-set deficit and forcing a fifth and deciding set.

What once appeared to be Camden County’s night had transformed into a winner-take-all battle for a trip to the state championship.

Hurley Williams and Bella Huntingford Deliver When It Matters Most

The fifth set brought another dramatic shift in momentum.

Camden County jumped ahead 8-5, fueled by the precise serving of Bailey Miller and an energized Bruins student section.

With the finish line in sight, the Bruins appeared ready to regain control.

But the pressure of the moment never overwhelmed Manteo.

Hurley Williams and Bella Huntingford stepped up defensively, delivering crucial blocks that disrupted Camden County’s offensive rhythm and helped the Lady Redskins fight their way back into contention.

As the set approached its conclusion, both teams continued exchanging critical points.

Camden County delivered a late kill to narrow the deficit to two, keeping its championship hopes alive.

However, Williams provided the finishing touch.

With the regional championship hanging in the balance, Williams delivered the decisive kill, sealing a 15-12 fifth-set victory and sending the Manteo sideline into a frenzy.

For Camden County, the loss brought an emotional conclusion to an outstanding season. The Bruins had controlled the first two sets and fought until the final point, but Manteo’s determination and late-match execution ultimately proved to be the difference.

For the Lady Redskins, the victory represented much more than another postseason win. It was a testament to their resilience, chemistry and belief in one another when their season appeared to be slipping away.

One More Win: Manteo Sets Its Sights on the 2A State Championship

The Lady Redskins now turn their attention to the biggest stage in North Carolina high school volleyball.

Manteo will face Cherokee High School in the 2026 NCHSAA 2A Volleyball State Championship Game on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Gore Arena on the campus of Campbell University.

Cherokee presents another challenge for a Manteo team that has already demonstrated its ability to overcome adversity against some of the toughest competition in the state.

For Sulkowski and her Lady Redskins, the mission remains unfinished.

After defeating a Camden County team that had beaten them twice during the regular season, Manteo enters Saturday’s championship with momentum, confidence and the opportunity to bring home a state title for the first time in more than two decades.

The Lady Redskins have already written one of the most compelling postseason stories in program history.

Now, just one victory separates Manteo from the ultimate prize: a 2026 NCHSAA 2A Volleyball State Championship.