Volleyball teams knocked out of area tournaments
Published 5:08 pm Thursday, October 24, 2013
Net play: Jemison’s Jasmine Wright (3) and her teammates fell to Marbury in the Class 4A, Area 7 tournament hosted by Calera.
By Brandon Sumrall | Special to the Advertiser
Jemison’s volleyball team saw its 2013 season come to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday in a competitive loss to Bibb County, 3-2, in the Class 4A, Area 7 tournament hosted by Calera.
The Panthers (10-12 overall, 3-2 area) took an early lead in the match by winning the first set 27-25, but the Choctaws (5-11, 3-4) answered by jumping out to an early 8-0 lead in Set 2 en route to a 25-10 win.
JHS again took a one set lead by winning Set 3 with ease, 25-10.
Facing a must-win fourth set, the Choctaws jumped out to an early 10-5 lead and carried the lead to 18-16 before the Panthers tied the score at 22-all.
The Panthers could never claim the lead, however, as the Choctaws went on to win the set, 25-23.
With the match down to a final fifth set, the two teams battled back and fourth through an 8-all tie, but the Choctaws outscored the Panthers 7-2 on their way to a 15-10 win, winning the set as well as the match and bringing closure to the Panthers season.
Cassani Steel led the Panthers with 12 kills. Taylor Ray added eight aces.
With the win, Bibb County advanced to the area tournament championshinship match. The top two teams in each area qualify for the super regional round of the playoffs.
Tigers fall to Marbury at Benjamin Russell
Chilton County High School’s volleyball team also fell short of advancing in its area tournament.
On the attack: Chilton County’s Roshelle Albert attacks the ball during Tuesday’s area tournament at Benjamin Russell High School.
The Tigers lost to Marbury in straight sets (27-25, 25-22, 25-6) in the Class 5A, Area 5 tournament at Benjamin Russell.
CCHS coach Cami Johnson said the team made strides this season even though the record might not show that.
“The first two games, the girls flowed together well as a team and trusted each other on the court,” Johnson said. “We gave Marbury a run for their money, and the games were very close. During those first two games, our serve recieve passing and defense were the best I have seen all season. The last game, our communication started to fall apart and we started making small mistakes that cost us big points.
“The important thing is the girls played their hearts out and left it all out on the floor. Seeing the girls come together as a team like that makes me excited for next season.”
