Sparkman outlasts Bob Jones in Area 15 volleyball

In a tense match on Thursday afternoon, Sparkman’s length was too much for Bob Jones and the Senators picked up a big Area 15 win. The Senators took 3 out of 5 games by scores of 25-10, 24-26, 15-25, 25-22, and 15-9. 

Bob Jones still has area matches at Buckhorn on September 18 and at home against Hazel Green on September 20. Sparkman, ranked ninth in the lastest ASWA poll, finished area play at 1-2. Area standings are used to determine seeding and location of the area tournament. 

“This team will go as far as they want too. They know it, they just don’t always play that way,” said Sparkman head coach Shannon Phillips. “We lost to Buckhorn in five and beat Bob Jones so it is pretty even in the area race. It’s anybody’s ball game as far as area.” 

Led by five seniors, Sparkman has beaten some of the top teams in the state and amassed a 12-5 record. Against Bob Jones, it was their height on the front line that was the difference. Lindsey Surmann, a senior front line middle hitter led Sparkman in kills in the match. 

“That is our goal, to pound the ball but be smart about it. We were smart about it today,” said Phillips who is in her ninth season at Sparkman as head volleyball coach. 

Shelby Brown, a 5-foot-10 setter, had a key block to keep momentum on a run that saw the Senators take command in the final game.

“Shelbie always plays well. She has worked hard to become as outstanding setter. She has really come into her own this year and played well for us,” Phillips said. 

Cierra Davis, a 5-foot-11 sophomore outside hitter, also had some key spikes. 

“She stepped up and played to her ability today,” Phillips said. “That is the best I have seen Cierra play.”  

Now Sparkman must work on that consistent high level of play in their remaining matches and tournaments. Oddly, the Senators have not played well at home this season. 

“At the right time today we stepped up and played really well. Hopefully this match taught the girls to play from beginning to end, Phillips added.” 

Bob Jones leaders in the match were Jazmyn Wright with 26 digs, Alexis Howell and Jeneva Salter with 15 kills. Erin Shockey recorded 27 assists as Bob Jones falls to 11-9 and 0-1 in area play and is ranked sixth in the state.