Bob Jones wins state volleyball championship

Bob Jones High School wins volleyball state championship. (Record photo/Michael Wade)

By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

BIRMINGHAM —  For the first time since 2008, there is a new AHSAA Class 6A volleyball state champion.
The Bob Jones Patriots knocked off the four-time defending champion Huntsville Panthers in dominating fashion, sweeping the Panthers 3-0 in the state finals at the Birmingham Crossplex on Oct. 31.
The Patriots opened up the first set by going on an 11-5 tear to set the tone for the match. While the Panthers were able to close the gap to 17-15, it was too little too late as BJHS took a 25-20 set win.
In the second set, Huntsville managed to take a 4-3 lead to begin, but the Patriots eventually pulled out to a 13-9 lead. A 9-0 Bob Jones run followed, and the Patriots routed the Panthers for a 25-12 set win.
The third set saw the Patriots continue to pour it on, opening the set with a 7-3 run. The Patriots then went on a 9-5 run to pull out to a 16-8 lead. The Patriots continued to press Huntsville, eventually dismissing the Panthers with a 25-18 win to capture the set and the match.
The win marks the first championship for Bob Jones volleyball since its lone title in 2008. Head coach April Marsh said the title was a season-long effort.
“These kids have worked all year long,” she said. “We jumped out on them.”
Patriot outside hitter Alexis Howell, who was also named tournament MVP, said the team was happy to see the hours put into the season pay off.
“It means everything,” she said. “We’ve worked hard all season.”
Howell led Bob Jones with 15 kills, a block, 15 digs and an ace, while Jeneva Salter had 10 kills and a block, Melanie Hissam had 10 digs and Erin Shockey had four digs, 33 assists and three aces.