Billingsley’s volleyball team won a dramatic 3-2 (17-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-14, 18-16) contest over Maplesville on Tuesday that demonstrated just how much both programs have progressed this season.

Kim Zaner took over coaching duties at Billingsley this season.

“I’m really excited about both the [junior varsity] and varsity teams I’m coaching,” Zaner said. “They worked really hard all summer preparing for the season.

“Tuesday night’s win was a very exciting win, especially since it was an area game and Maplesville is one of our bigger rivals. I’ve been talking a lot to the girls about overcoming adversity and not giving up when things started going bad for us.”

The Bears (4-1) answered back after host Maplesville (4-3) won the first and third sets.

Then, in the decisive fifth set, BHS fought back from deficits of 11-4 and 14-10 (match point) to pull out the win.

Maplesville, meanwhile, has a winning record after taking its lumps in its first two years of having a volleyball program.

“They have come a long way since the volleyball program started here at MHS,” coach Kerri Payne said. “Our girls have been working extremely hard in practice every day. They all attended a summer camp and our workout program here at MHS.

“They have had success early, and this has allowed our girls to truly believe in what they are trying to achieve. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far and am excited about the future.”

Kendrauna Griffen paced the Red Devils on Tuesday with nine kills and five aces.

Julia Jones had six kills, Shelby Weldon had five kills and seven assists, and Tayuna Watson pitched in four kills.

Maplesville’s junior varsity defeated Billingsley, 2-0 (25-14, 25-13)