Bob Jones celebrates after a point against visiting Sparkman in regional action. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Patriot coach April Marsh now has everybody back in her varsity starting lineup she originally envisioned, and with those injured players getting close to 100 percent – Isabelle Barnes and Jeneva Salter – Bob Jones’ strength showed against area foe Sparkman Sept. 23.

Bob Jones trailed only briefly in the third game as Sparkman scored two early points, but the Patriots responded with eight unanswered scores en route to a 25-18 third game. The first two games finished in Bob Jones’ favor 25-17 and 25-15, respectively.

“I think overall we played pretty well,” Marsh said. “I think there were some things we’ve been working on that we did pretty good job of.”

Senior libero Melaina Hissam led the team with nine digs and Erin Shockey had the most assists, with 34. Salter contributed 14 kills, while James Clemens transfer Haley Hop led all players with 14 kills.

Emily Hatcher tallied six blocks on the evening.

“I think our blocking went really well tonight,” Marsh said. “We had a few blocks. That’s one of the things we’ve been emphasizing in practice is holding strong and I think our kids came out and did that.”

Hissam, Shockey, Hop, Ashley Pursifull and Jabria Scott all led Bob Jones with one ace on the afternoon.

With Bob Jones winning the region, the Patriots will host the area tournament in October.

“Kids will hopefully want to come out and support us, the students,” Marsh said.