HUNTSVILLE- The Sparkman High volleyball team has achieved what no other volleyball team has in school history- advance to the State Tournament.

“This team was dedicated and motivated throughout the summer in preparation for this season and I’m super proud of them,” said second year head coach Chandler Phillips.

In the North Super Regional play held at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, the Lady Senators defeated rival and fifth ranked Bob Jones three games to none in round one. In the second round, the sixth ranked Senators played flat through most of match finally falling to fourth ranked Thompson (28-11) in three straight games. The scores were 25-19, 25-21 and 25-15 causing Sparkman to fall into the third place consolation spot versus unranked Grissom.

In the match to determine the third seed from the North at the upcoming Class 7-A State Tournament, Sparkman outlasted Grissom (26-23) in three straight games 25-21, 25-21 and 25-13. The victory puts the Senators (50-12) in Birmingham for the AHSAA State Tournament where they are scheduled to face No. 8 Auburn (39-16) on Wednesday, Oct. 27 with the State Finals set for Thursday, Oct. 28 at the Birmingham CrossPlex and Harris Arena.

“These girls came out to play in round one against Bob Jones as they prepared days for that match,” said Phillips of the North Super Regional opening match. “Having our incredible student section on hand to cheer us on was really a big thing for us. We did not play well against Thompson, but came back and played superb against Grissom to advance to the State Tournament.”

Phillips was asked if her squad is playing at its best. She said, “This team is playing very good right now. I hope we haven’t reached our best.”

In other results from the North Super Regional, James Clemens lost to Grissom 3-1 while in in Class 5-A, Madison Academy defeated Hayden 3-0 in the opening round before falling to East Limestone 3-2 in the quarterfinals.