MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The South Super Regional brought together some of the best volleyball programs in the state last Wednesday at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex, and three schools from Talladega County were among the field. Childersburg, Sylacauga, and Fayetteville all took the court with hopes of extending their postseason, each carrying with them strong support from their home communities.
Childersburg
Childersburg opened the day in the first round against a seasoned T.R. Miller squad. The Lady Tigers showed grit throughout the match, but T.R. Miller’s consistency proved too much to overcome. Childersburg battled in each set but ultimately fell in three straight, ending their season.
Sylacauga
The Aggies were well represented in the stands with Sylacauga City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michele Eller, Athletic Director Chad Wilkinson, Board of Education members, and a large crowd of students making the trip to Montgomery. The energy in the Multiplex was high before the first serve, but the match began on a sour note for Sylacauga.
Before play even started, Faith Academy was awarded a point due to a uniform violation. The officials ruled that the stripes of Aggie red on the black jerseys were too similar in color, giving Faith a 1-0 advantage. Despite the early setback, the Sylacauga student section came alive, matching Fayetteville’s fans as some of the loudest in the building during the 12:45 slate.
Faith Academy quickly showed why it is one of the state’s perennial contenders, taking the first set 25-9. The Aggies fell behind early in the second, trailing 14-4. Coach Kathy Loggins called timeout midway through the set and urged her team to “swing hard,” hoping to shift momentum. Sylacauga showed flashes of offense but couldn’t close the gap, dropping the second set 25-12.
With their season on the line, the Aggies found their rhythm in the third. Sylacauga led several times early, even pulling ahead 9-8 before Faith regained control. The Rams built a 20-13 lead, but the Aggies kept fighting, cutting the deficit to 22-19, forcing a Faith timeout, but the Rams regrouped to seal the match 25-19 and advance.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville’s fan section brought its trademark enthusiasm, led by Principal Michael Pinson, a Board of Education member, and a wave of Fayetteville students who made the trip to Montgomery. Their presence filled the Multiplex with noise and energy as the Wolves took on McKenzie in the first round.
From the opening serve, Fayetteville controlled every aspect of the match. The Wolves’ front line dominated, and McKenzie struggled to find any rhythm. Fayetteville cruised to wins of 25-5, 25-1, and 25-11, advancing with authority to the second round.
The Wolves’ next opponent, University Charter, proved to be a different challenge. University Charter had handled Pleasant Home in straight sets earlier in the day and brought that momentum into the matchup. What followed was one of the most competitive matches of the entire regional. Both teams traded long rallies and defensive stands, but Fayetteville came up just short, dropping three tight sets 25-19, 25-21, and 28-26.
The loss ended Fayetteville’s season, but not before the Wolves showed they could compete with anyone in the state.
All three Talladega County teams left Montgomery with their heads high. From Childersburg’s grit, to Sylacauga’s late-set fight, to Fayetteville’s commanding first-round performance, the day at the Multiplex showcased the strength and promise of volleyball across the county.
