An intimidating sight for Landrum opponents this season is the Cardinals’ Nicole Ford shown here smashing the ball over the net. In the first round of AA state playoffs, held at Landrum on Wednesday, Oct. 26, the Cardinals had already defeated the visiting Fox Creek Predators, 25-8, 25-3, before Ford scored the first point of game three with this unreturned smash. Ford had recently been named to the All-State AA team. Landrum shut out the Predators 3-0, in the best of five match, earning a 25-9 win in game three. (Photo by Mark Schmerling)