Mustangs win regional, to host sub-state Thursday

Published 10:24 am Monday, October 17, 2011

Isabella continued its march toward a third consecutive appearance in the Elite 8 state volleyball tournament by winning the Class 2A, Regional B tournament on Saturday.

The Mustangs swept Zion Chapel, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-22) in the championship match.

Both Jemison (against Sumter Central) and Thorsby (to Zion Chapel) lost first-round regional matches on Saturday, eliminating them from the tournament and bringing their seasons to an end.

With its win, IHS (29-12) earned the right to host a sub-state round match on Thursday. Elba, which finished fourth in Regional B, will visit.

“Our back row passing was probably the most consistent it has been all season,” Isabella coach Glen Graham said. “When we pass and can get into our offense, we’ve got some pretty good hitters.”

Savannah Kissel recorded 26 kills, 16 aces and six digs in three tournament matches Saturday.

Teammate Landy Griffith had 30 kills, six aces and three digs. Hayden Compton chipped in seven kills and eight blocks.

Khadijah Craig had 18 kills, 16 blocks and 12 aces; and Heather Posey posted 70 assists.

The Mustangs defeated Ariton, 3-0 (25-21, 25-12, 25-19), in their first tournament match, and topped Millry, 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-17), to advance to the championship match.