LINDEN — The Marengo Academy Lady Longhorn varsity volleyball team moved one step closer clinching the No. 2 seed in region play Thursday when it upset a well-respected Sumter Academy squad.

“I think that put us in second place,” head coach Larry Huckabee said following the game before turning his attention to the region play wrap-up against Meadowview Monday. “We need to win that game and I think that we’ll be locked in for second.”

Huckabee’s squad has scuffled at times during the season, but pushed its record to 9-5 with the win and galvanized the faith the head coach has in his team.

“Team wise we are much better,” Huckabee said. “At the first of the season we weren’t passing or killing good. We’re playing pretty good ball here.”

Huckabee’s excitement about his team’s chances is based in no small part on the faith he has in each member of the roster. He indicated a number of girls are making plays all over the floor.

“Maleah Digmon is killing the ball real good for us, her and Reesa Holifield,” Huckabee said. “Our best passer on the team is probably Ally Vick. Jessica Brock and Destiny Huckabee are setting really well for us.”

The team is set to travel to top-seeded Clarke Prep for the region tournament Tuesday, Oct. 19. The Lady Longhorns’ final seed in that contest will depend on what they do on the road against Meadowview Monday.