gulf shores: Bayside dominates Fairhope tourney

Lady Admirals cruise through event without losing a game

Monday, September 04, 2006
By JOEY WARNER


The Bayside Academy Lady Admirals defeated Gulf Shores in the championship match and dominated Fairhope's Back to School Volleyball Bash tournament on Saturday.

The No. 1 ranked 2A team in the state cruised through the tourney without losing a game and were unchallenged before defeating Gulf Shores 25-12 and 25-17 in the finals.

"I thought we played well and we have been working on not giving up consecutive points," Bayside coach Ann Schilling said. "I think a lot of people did a great job offensively."

Tournament Most Valuable Player Caroline Gill of Bayside slammed 38 kills and rejected 15 blocks while Kersten Reed served 95 assists. Marlo Walker contributed 19 kills and 10 blocks and Patricia Sirmon collected 16 kills, 13 blocks, and 10 aces. Lauren Reidy had 12 aces and Emily Allen added 9 for the talented group of Lady Admirals.

"Caroline (Gill) did a great job and Marlo (Walker) is getting better each week," Schilling said. "Emily (Allen) and Patricia (Sirmon) did a great job serving and Kersten (Reed) played outstanding."

On the road to the championship, Bayside (11-3) defeated Vigor 25-7 and 25-8; Daphne 25-12 and 25-13; Baldwin County 25-13 and 25-8 before eliminating Robertsdale 25-13 and 25-20 in the semi-finals.

Gulf Shores (8-5) beat Williamson 25-11 twice; Satsuma 25-16 twice; Fairhope 25-11 and 25-17 before outlasting Mobile Christian 27-25 and 25-18 in the semi-finals.

Beth Ogletree led the Lady Dolphins with 27 kills; Julie Key had 19 kills, 14 aces and 9 digs while Haley Hopkins added 9 digs and Stacey Brantley recorded 34 assists.

"We played hard and got to the finals and played the best team and thought we did pretty well," Gulf Shores coach Wing Brett said. "Our players played well but Bayside does not have 11 state championships because people give them to them."

In Pool A play, Fairhope defeated Citronelle 25-22, 25-18 and lost to Mobile Christian 11-25, 21-25 before being eliminated by Gulf Shores.

In Pool B play, Daphne defeated Vigor 25-14, 25-12 before losing to Bayside and being eliminated by Robertsdale.

In Pool C play, Baldwin County defeated Theodore 25-21, 25-17 before losing to Robertsdale and Bayside. Robertsdale defeated Theodore 25-17, 25-9, Baldwin County 25-13, 25-23, and defeated Daphne 25-15, 20-25, and 16-14 before being eliminated by Bayside.

Mario Walker of Bayside, Julie Key of Gulf Shores, and Christine Ousley of Robertsdale were named to the All-Tournament Team.