Phoenix Volleyball earns fourth straight area title

From Sonoraville High School Volleyball:

Sonoraville High School’s volleyball team earned their fourth consecutive Area championship on Saturday. Entering the Area 6-AAA tournament as the number two seed, and after defeating Adairsville in the first round on Thursday, the Phoenix were victorious over Ringgold (25-10, 25-21), and then top seeded and host L-FO (25-16, 25-22) in the winner’s bracket final. L-FO defeated Coahulla Creek in the loser’s bracket final, which set up the re-match between Sonoraville and L-FO. Sonoraville fell behind L-FO in every set, but a strong resiliency carried the talented Phoenix to the big win (25-19, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21) in the best-of-five tournament finale.

“We have closed the gap between our talent level and our effort and attitude,” said Sonoraville Coach Trace Vaughn. “I am extremely proud of these young ladies. We were determined and very focused. L-FO has an excellent team, and it is always a great match when we meet, so we knew going in that we had to play our best. We have definitely peaked at the right time.”

The Phoenix were led on the day by Emalie Hicks with 47 kills, 13 digs, 7 aces, and 3 blocks; Savannah Wilbanks with 64 assists, 7 kills, 6 digs, 4 aces, and 3 blocks; Maris Irick with 27 kills, 26 digs, and 6 aces; Haley Smith with 23 digs and 6 aces; Delaney Bell with 17 digs and 3 aces; Baylea Richards with 16 digs and 6 aces; Gracen Hornbrook with 8 kills, 4 digs, and 2 assists; Taryn Hickey with 8 kills and 5 blocks; and Caroline Magill with 4 kills and 2 assists.

Sonoraville (39-8, 10-1) will host the first round of the State playoffs on Wednesday against Booker T. Washington (time TBA).