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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Seven Chilton County area high school volleyball teams tried to extend their seasons at their respective area tournaments on Oct. 18-19. Of the seven, four punched their tickets in Isabella, Billingsley, Jemison and Chilton County high schools.

Isabella hosted the AHSAA Class 2A Area 8 tournament on Oct. 18 and knocked off Central of Coosa County High School in the semifinals to advance to the final. Thorsby High School was eliminated in the semifinals 3-1 by Fayetteville High School who moved on to face the Mustangs.

In the final, Isabella cruised to a 3-0 win, 25-15, 25-8 and 25-11 to capture their fifth consecutive area tournament title, and the third under head coach Kacie Adams.

“I have seven seniors, and they have been playing with each other since eighth grade. They work really well together, and sometimes they do not even have to talk to know what each other is doing,” Adams said. “Our front row is on fire, and they are all hitting where they need to be right now. I told them ‘You can go as far as you want, and it is what you want.’ They just have to make that decision.”

Isabella’s senior class ends their high school careers having never lost in an area tournament game.

Isabella faces Area 6 runner-up Lanett High School in their first regional matchup on Oct. 25 at 12:45 p.m. in Montgomery at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.

The AHSAA Class 1A Area 7 tournament on Oct. 19 featured three Chilton County area teams, and Maplesville High School got the tournament started in the first round facing Autaugaville. The Red Devils fell 3-1 and Autaugaville advanced to face host school Billingsley in the semifinals where the Bears won 3-1 to advance to the final and regional tournament.

Verbena faced off against Notasulga High School in the other semifinal and lost a close match 3-2 to end their season. In the final, the Bears swept Notasulga 3-0, 25-10, 25-13 and 25-11 to clinch the area title.

Billingsley plays Southern Choctaw High School in the first round of the regional tournament in Montgomery at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl on Oct. 26 at 11:30 a.m.

Jemison visited Sylacauga High School on Oct. 19 for the AHSAA Class 5A Area 8 tournament. The Panthers took down Shelby County High School 3-0 in the semifinals to punch their ticket to the regional tournament and area tournament final against Sylacauga. The Panthers fell 3-0 in the tournament final.

Jemison will begin their regional tournament against The Montgomery Academy on Oct. 25 at 10:15 a.m. in Montgomery at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.

Chilton County traveled to Calera High School on Oct. 18 to take on Benjamin Russell High School in the semifinals of the AHSAA Class 6A Area 5 tournament final. The Tigers won 3-1 to advance to the regional tournament, and the area final against Calera.

In the final, Calera won the first set 25-21, but CCHS won the next two 25-21 and 25-11. In a close fourth set, Calera forced a fifth and decisive set winning 28-26. The Eagles captured the area tournament title 15-13 in the last set.

The Tigers will take on the Area 7 winner McAdory High School in the first round of the regional tournament on Oct. 25 at 3:30 p.m.