Coverage Community VB Teams Ready for Regionals (Part 2)

Story by Griffin Pritchard | Publisher

Photos by CAScoreboard Staff / Athletic Departments

CENTRAL ALABAMA SCOREBOARD OFFICE –With one day of AHSAA South Regional Volleyball in the books, it’s time for teams in 1A-4A to step into the spotlight. Of the Coverage Community teams to advance, the spotlight has been on the 4A powerhouses of Montgomery Catholic and Trinity Presbyterian.

The No. 1 Wildcats and the No.2 Knights (according to the final Alabama Sportswriters / AL.com volleyball poll) both advanced to play this afternoon at 12:45 against No. 6 Orange Beach and Satsuma respectively.

“This is such an exciting time and I’m so happy for the girls that they’ve made it to this point,” said Sarah Dubberley, coach of the Trinity Wildcats. I’ve got eight seniors that are trying to suck up the little time they have left on the volleyball court and I’m doing the same, coaching them. It’s a great group of girls and coaching them brings me much joy.”

Behind the play of Addison Cherry, Emma Moody and Isabel Hill, the Wildcats were able to sweep Jackson High and Sipsey Valley on Wednesday.  The Wildcats knocked off T.R. Miller and American Christian 3-0 in both matches to advance to play Orange Beach.

By the time this article is posted, 3A will have bumped and spiked their way into action. Prattville Christian is amongst them making their postseason debut.

“These girls have worked so hard this season,” said Kaylon Cantrell, coach of the PCA volleyball Panthers. “They’ve put in so much time, effort and hard work. It’s exciting to see the payoff.”

The No. 7 Panthers open against the No. 4 Mobile Christian Leopards in a best-of-five catfight.

Cantrell continued: “(Mobile Christian) ranked as one of the top 5 teams in 3A, so we know that’s going to be a tough match. They are a very solid team from what we know about them, so we’re looking forward to a competitive match. Our theme for this season has been ‘whatever it takes’ so we are going to do whatever it takes to prepare for that game and to get through to the next round. Our team is made up of a bunch of very competitive girls. They know what it takes to win and they are willing to do the hard thing. I’m excited to watch them and see what they can do together.”

One of those tough Panthers is Sally Swindall: “We worked so hard all year. Even though we started the season out on a rough patch, we have learned to persevere through adversity. We have learned to play for each other and be one. I’m very proud of my teammates for this. My teammates have never let each other down and I’m so proud of them for that. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish this year.”

Swindall (in the area tournament) had seven kills and has been one of the PCA leaders all season. She’s joined by Hannah Jones (area tournament MVP) and all-tournament selections Baylee Rogers and CoCo Thomas.

The Panthers / Leopards winner advances to play Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. against the winner of Thomasville/Saks.

Teams competing in 3A tip off at 9 a.m. with second round matches scheduled to start around 2 p.m. 

The Live Bracket can be found here: https://scorebooklive.com/alabama/volleyball/brackets/2022-3a-south-volleyball-regional

Here’s a look at the first-round pairings:

·         No. 7 PCA vs. No. 4 Mobile Christian

·         Thomasville vs. Saks

·         Sumter Central vs. Ashford

·         Opp vs. Childersburg

·         Indian Springs vs. Straughn

·         Houston Academy vs. Greensboro

·         Walter Wellborn vs. Excel

·         No. 1 St. Luke’s Episcopal vs. Alabama Christian

Since history-making is the topic of conversation, (looking at 2A now) the Pike Liberal Patriots are making the most out of the jump from the Alabama Independent School Association to the AHSAA by winning their area, the area tournament and earning a postseason berth.

“The switch was definitely a unique experience, especially since we weren’t sure what to expect,” said Pike Lib Coach Laura Jones. “The girls’ determination to win is definitely what got them through this season along with the fact that they pushed through each game and played hard under all circumstances. We are all very ready to play in the postseason tournament, and the girls are very excited that their hard work has paid off, and we are all very ready to see how far this team can go.”

The Patriots take the court Thursday at 11:30 against Samson (a vote-getter in the final ASWA / AL.com volleyball poll). The winner advances to the 3:30 match against the Washington County / Greene County winner.

Jones: “The girls have come a long way from the start of the season and I am very proud of them, especially since we didn’t know what to expect in the AHSAA. I am impressed that they have come ready and prepared for every match. In the beginning of the season we had a few difficulties, but the girls stayed determined and overcame adversities and injuries to get themselves where they are now.”

Through the battles a quartet of Patriots have stepped up: Mari Grace Brooks, Emma Baker, Emily Bryan and Anna Cate Friday and their leadership will be needed as Pike Liberal continues to venture into uncharted 2A waters where anything can happen.

Looking at the 2A Bracket, play begins at 11:30 Thursday morning. 

The Live Bracket can be found here: https://scorebooklive.com/alabama/volleyball/brackets/2022-2a-south-volleyball-regional

The first round pairings are:

·         Horseshoe Bend (also a vote-getter) vs. Chickasaw

·         No. 5 G.W. Long vs. Thorsby

·         Pike Liberal vs. Samson

·         Washington County vs. Greene County

·         Tuscaloosa Academy (also a vote-getter) vs. Clarke County

·         Wicksburg vs. Highland Home

·         No. 6 Ariton vs. Isabella

·         No. 3 Bayshore Christian vs. Lanett

RECAPPING DAY 1 of the AHSAA SOUTH REGIONAL:

Updated 6A Bracket:

https://scorebooklive.com/alabama/volleyball/brackets/2022-6a-south-volleyball-regional

Updated 5A Bracket: 

https://scorebooklive.com/alabama/volleyball/brackets/2022-5a-south-volleyball-regional

Updated 4A Bracket: 

https://scorebooklive.com/alabama/volleyball/brackets/2022-4a-south-volleyball-regional