In the area championship match at Billingsley, the Bears won another close match, 3-2 (25-18, 24-26, 25-14, 19-25, 16-14).

Chilton County was knocked out of the first round of the Class 5A, Area 5 tournament by Marbury; and Isabella was knocked out of the first round of the Class 2A, Area 8 tournament by Prattville Christian, 3-2 (22-25, 25-15, 21-25, 26-24, 15-5).

The Mustangs were one point away in the fourth set from winning the match and advancing. IHS had won 14 consecutive area tournaments.

Erika Brascome (11 kills, five blocks, three aces and two digs) and Khadijah Craig (10 kills, five blocks, two aces and two digs) were named to the all-tournament team.

Landy Griffith also had 10 kills for Isabella. Heather Posey recorded 18 assists, and Mallory Mitchell posted 12 digs.

Thorsby will compete in its area tournament on Saturday. The Rebels will play Central-Coosa at 11 a.m., with Trinity hosting the tournament.

The winners of the two first-round matches advance to the super regional round but first will play an area championship match at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.