Two weeks ago 178 schools entered the GHSA state playoffs with state championship dreams on their mind. After three rounds of heated play that number has been trimmed to 24, with Blessed Trinity and Johns Creek still hoping to bring a trophy back to north Fulton.

Blessed Trinity (52-2 overall) qualified for the Final Four by sweeping their way past Cartersville (25-11, 25-13, 25-23) in the round of 16 last Tuesday.

Outside hitter Jessica Holler led the way with nine kills, Abby Feruck came through with four blocks on defense, Katie Ray had 12 digs from the back line and sophomore setter Maggie Rick contributed five aces and 28 assists.

Schools were re-seeded before the quarterfinals and as the top team in AAA the Lady Titans received a bye through the round of eight and automatically advanced to the state semifinals — which will be held tonight against Oconee County at Woodward Academy. The winner will move on to play St. Pius or Woodward Academy in the AAA state championship on Saturday at Marietta High School.

It is Blessed Trinity’s third straight trip to the Final Four. The Lady Titans won state championships in 2006 and 2010.

Johns Creek (41-8) beat Luella in the round of 16 and Woodstock in the state quarterfinals (both in straight sets) to punch their ticket to the Class AAAAAA Final Four.

Sara Rogers posted 33 assists in the win over Luella with strong efforts from Annika Olsen (12 kills), Emily Cappai (10 kills) and Kate Gulley (7 kills) leading the offense.

The Lady Gladiators will play Harrison in the AAAAAA semifinals tonight at Chattahoochee High School. The winner will advance to play North Cobb or Walton in the state championship on Monday at McEachern High School.

Chattahoochee (25-19) beat Newnan in the Sweet 16 but fell to Walton in straight sets in the state quarterfinals.

Roswell (26-19) and Northview (37-13) saw their seasons end in the round of 16 on Oct. 23.

The Lady Hornets fell in a five-set thriller to Mill Creek (25-22, 17-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-13), while Northview lost to AAAAA’s No. 1 school Whitewater in straight sets (25-17, 25-20, 25-17).