Plainview Captures Volleyball Programs First State Title
By Cinthia Rico BIRMINGHAM ? Amongst cheers, tears, and smiles, the Plainview Lady Bears achieved their goal, and the goal of many former players, to bring home the AHSAA Class 3A state title.
Plainview (51-5) battled their way to the Elite Eight for the third consecutive season, but this time around, the Bears’ hard work and perseverance paid off as they bested Mobile Christian 3-1 last Wednesday at Bill Harris Arena.
Under the leadership of head coach Skyla Gray, Plainview made school history by winning the 2023 AHSAA State Volleyball Championship.
“It’s honestly kind of honoring—because Plainview has a legacy of really good volleyball teams that coach Gray started. To finally do what all these girls in the past have worked for is just very honoring,” Ali Price said.
The Bears built a 25-29, 25-11 lead. In the third set, the Leopards (44-8) rallied for a 25-15 win. The final set saw plenty of action from both sides of the court, but ultimately Plainview clawed their way to a 25-22 victory and the state title.
“I am speechless—proud of these girls,” said Gray. “This is the first volleyball state championship at Plainview, so I am very proud.”
Gray said having graduated large senior classes the prior years, this season’s team featured “pretty much a brand new team” with seven seniors and players who stepped up and worked hard to get to where they are today.
Players expressed their excitement about achieving what Plainview Programs have achieved – “It’s amazing – We are proud to wear Plainview across our chest.”
Class 3A Tournament MVP Chloe Hatch led the Bears with 16 kills and 10 digs. Kami Sanders also tallied 16 kids and 12 digs, Faith Odom had nine kills, setter Ali Price totaled 46 assists and 14 digs, Zanna Ferguson had a team-high 20 digs and Aubriella Hairston added nine kills.
The All-Tournament Team was comprised of Plainview’s Kami Sanders, Ali Price, Zanna Ferguson,(MVP) Chloe Hatch; and Mobile Christian’s Melissa Patel and Melaina Haines.
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