PCA advances to first volleyball postseason

Story by Griffin Pritchard | Publisher

Photos by Thomas Stabler | CAScoreboard Photographer

CENTRAL ALABAMA SCOREBOARD OFFICE – Prattville Christian’s volleyball program has been waiting for their breakout moment. They found it at the area tournament, defeating Dadeville and Alabama Christian to earn the Panthers first postseason berth since joining the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

“I’m so proud of the girls for winning the area tournament,” said Kaylon Cantrell, Panthers volleyball coach. “This is the first time that PCA volleyball program has come out of the area tournament on top since we’ve been in the AHSAA, so that makes it even more special for us. These girls have worked so hard this season. They’ve put in so much time, effort and hard work and it’s exciting to see that payoff.”

The Panthers first knocked off the Tigers 25-15, 25-7 and 25-10 to advance to the championship and secure their berth into the postseason. In the area tournament finale, PCA knocked off ACA 25-19, 25-16 and 25-19. Baylee Rogers and CoCo Thomas were named to the All-Tournament team and Memphis-commit, Hannah Jones, was chosen as the Area Tournament MVP.

Statistically:

·         Baylee Rogers had 41 assists, 1 kill, 10 aces, and 9 digs.

·         Hannah Jones had 12 kills, 6 aces, 1 block, and 12 digs.

·         Coco Thomas had 12 kills, 3 blocks, and 4 aces.

·         Sally Swindall had 7 kills and 2 blocks.

·         Emma Cate Carter had 14 kills, 1 assist, 5 aces, and 6 digs.

·         Avery Rogers had 4 assists, 2 aces, and 7 digs.

·         Brylee Byrd had 2 aces and 10 digs.

·         Natalee Wheeler had 1 assist and 3 digs.

·         Laura Beth NeSmith had 2 blocks.

·         Leah Cate Wilson and Kyra Sims each had 1 kill.

·         Savannah Lamar had 1 dig.

·         Morgan Fowler had 1 assist. 

The second season tips off Thursday at 9 a.m.

Cantrell: “We’ve got more work to do as we head into (Regional), but I have no doubt that they will put in the effort and be ready to do whatever it takes.”

The No. 7 Panthers open against No. 4 Mobile Christian in the first round. The winner advances to play the Thomasville/Saks winner Thursday at 2. 

Alabama Christian tips off Thursday at 10:15 a.m. against No. 1 St. Luke’s. The winner of that match advances to tangle with the winner of the Walter Wellborn/Excel affair Thursday at 3:15 p.m.