Still in: Lawrence Co. takes 2nd at North Regional; Priceville falls short of state tournament
Oct. 27—HUNTSVILLE — Robyn Hutto wasn't happy.
A day after hitting some dance moves to celebrate her team's advancement to the 5A state volleyball tournament, the Lawrence County coach didn't feel like dancing.
The Class 5A, No. 5 Red Devils had a chance to win the North Regional, but instead lost to No. 3 Alexandria 25-19, 25-16, 25-16.
"I'm so frustrated," Hutto said. "I don't know if we have a block with Alexandria or what, but It was like we didn't even show up to play."
Lawrence County had been dominant in the tournament dropping just one set in three matches. That included a 27-25, 25-22, 25-19 over No. 2 Arab earlier in the day.
For whatever reason though, the Red Devils couldn't find that same success against Alexandria.
"We beat a higher ranked and probably better team earlier in Arab, but we just didn't have the same fight tonight," Hutto said. "We're usually very good at ball control and they just outdone us. We couldn't get a passing system and if we did, if we got blocked one time, it was like the end of the world."
In two games Thursday, Ava Boyll led the team with 28 kills and 16 digs. Kylie Graham had 27 assists.
Despite the loss, Lawrence County still finishes as the No. 2 seed in the North heading into next week's state tournament.
Hutto promised the team that played Thursday night will not be seen next week.
"I told them it didn't matter if we finished one, two, three or four," she said. "We still have a chance to finish number one next week."
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—Priceville falls short: Priceville was looking to advance to the state tournament for the second straight season for the first time in school history. The Bulldogs fell one game short, however, losing to Cherokee County 25-16, 20-25, 7-25, 25-22, 13-15.
"I think we lost control a little in those middle sets," second-year coach Emily Logan said. "Credit to Cherokee County, they served tough and could never get in our attack mode the way we wanted to."
Priceville defeated Hamilton 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-7 in the first round of the 4A North Regional tournament.
Abby Langlois finished with a combined 54 kills. Ashlyn Johnson had 74 assists, while Maddie Kennedy had 28 digs.
Logan has said the Bulldogs are working to change the program's culture. Even though they fell short of their goal, she still beleives they're headed in the right direction.
"The level of competition we're capable of playing has grown because of this season," Logan said. "Had we played an easier schedule, maybe we have a record that looks nicer. But I don't think we would've been as close as we were to making it back to Birmingham."
—Athens Bible punches ticket to Birmingham: For the first time since 2019, the Trojans are headed to the state tournament.
The Trojans upset Class 3A, No. 3 Meek 3-2 and then defeated Marion County 3-1 to advance.
"It's been a while since we've been, so this has been hard fought," coach Elizabeth Winland said. "This season has had a lot of challenges, so that makes this even more amazing."
Claire Holt led the Trojans with 38 kills and 23 blocks. Anna Beth Burns had 74 assists and Brooke Blakely had 18 kills.
—Brewer finishes fourth: The Patriots lost to Alexandria 23-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 5-15, and 20-25, 21-25, 17-25 in the 5A North Regional.
—West Morgan falls in first round: The West Morgan Rebels were eliminated in the first round of the 4A regional by Curry 24-26, 25-22, 18-25, 24-26.
—caleb.suggs@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2
