Sparkman outlasts Bob Jones for Class 6A, Area 15 title

(L to R)Tournament MVP Cierra Davis, Alli Thornton,Sara Denton, and Carla Grayson of Sparkman
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)

MADISON- The Sparkman volleyball team is peaking at just the right time and they proved too much for a higher-ranked Bob Jones team Tuesday night as the two rivals went five games before the Senators claimed the Area 15 title and a top seed in this weekend’s North Super Regional. The final scores were 25-22, 15-25, 13-25, 25-20, and 15-11.

Despite missing two key players, Bob Jones took a two games to one lead but Sparkman came roaring back behind Tournament MVP Cierra Davis who led all scorers with 21 kills. Carla Grayson was by her side and had 10 kills and seven blocks.

Earlier in the tournament, Bob Jones eliminated Buckhorn 3-0 and Sparkman eliminated Hazel Green 3-1.

“I’m proud of the way we came back after the third game, especially the intensity we showed,” said Sparkman Coach Whitney Elder. “Bob Jones has been awesome all year, they have beaten us twice this year but it came down to the long rallies and who got the kill in the end.”

Elder said that the other players look to Cierra Davis as a leader. “She’s a smart aggressive player who knows where to put the ball. She stepped her game up tonight.

I have had to get on her about her maintaining a positive attitude on the court when things don’t go your way and she was a completely different player than I have seen all year.”

The disappointment last year when Sparkman didn’t advance to the North Super Regional was motivation for the players.

After the game Davis thought she could have played better. “I was a little off on defense but as a team we did an amazing job. We are real excited to advance.”

Alison Watwood was strong in the first game for Sparkman as was Mala Sterns. Sparkman’s size and depth took a toll on Bob Jones. The Patriots missed shots began to add up and Sparkman never trailed in game one. Sparkman led most of game 4 and all of the deciding game.

net action in Area 15 Tournament

Bob Jones was missing Isabelle Barnes, a key performer and middle hitter who had come on strong this season. She also gave the Patriots size at the net. Rachel Shockey who plays valuable minutes as setter also missed the game. Both were held out with injuries.

“They are both out with head injuries and they should be back on Friday,” Bob Jones Head Coach April Marsh said.

“Both of those girls are starters for us,” Marsh said. “It’s tough going out and being a kid thrown into the fire of an area tournament but the kids did a pretty good job of accepting the challenge and playing hard.”

Marsh had to dig deep on her bench and turn to players who didn’t get much playing time this year. Olivia Kile and Alex King filled in. It also meant Alexis Martin and Erin Shockey played all five games without a break.

“We had to beat Buckhorn and we did so we are in the super regional and can reach all our goals as long as we play well on Friday,” Marsh said.

The teams will play two games on Friday and must win both to advance to Saturday’s championship round.