Cherry Hill East in volleyball semis on Thursday

The Cherry Hill East girls' volleyball team faces long odds Thursday night.

But that's nothing new for the Cougars.

Cherry Hill East had lost the first game and was trailing, 15-10, in the second game of Tuesday's Group 4 state quarterfinals at Livingston.

However, the Cougars rallied to capture the second game, 25-23, then won the third game,25-19, to advance to meet undefeated Bridgewater-Raritan in the state semifinals tonight at 7 p.m., at Hillsborough.

"I'm very proud of our team and the composure they displayed in the quarterfinal match," Cherry Hill East coach Scott Mooney said. "Down 10-15 in the second game, we went on a 15-8 run and executed the game plan extremely well."

Cherry Hill East (19-2), the No. 5 seed, has received stellar performances from several players in advancing to the state semifinals.

Senior setter Yael Einhorn had 30 assists against Livingston, and she has 70 assists in three tournament victories.

Senior hitter Marissa Johnson had 17 kills against Livington to give her 36 kills in the tournament. Jess Smith (5 kills, 8 aces), Anna Johnson (8 kills) and Sara Gurkin (6-for-6 in kills) also played well against Livington, the No. 4 seed.

Cherry Hill East faces a formidable foe in Bridgewater-Raritan (30-0), the No. 1 seed and the No. 2 team in the state in the Newark Star Ledger Top 20.

Southern plays East Brunswick in tonight's first semifinal. The winners advance to Saturday's state finals at William Paterson College.

"Obviously, a 30-0 record speaks for itself," Mooney said. "But we are confident in our team and our ability to create good matchups. We know we're in for a tough match that is going to be played at a high level. Our team is looking forward to it."

Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223 or panastasia@phillynews.com