Spartans cruise to state tourney berth

Mountain Brook High School has won the Class 7A state volleyball championship each of the last two years, so the Spartans have goals that extend far beyond merely advancing to the state tournament.

Still, the games are played for a reason, and the Spartans took care of business at Super Regionals on Thursday in Huntsville, sweeping away Sparkman in dominant fashion (25-14, 25-16, 25-12).

“That match was critical to get the jitters out,” Mountain Brook head coach Haven O’Quinn said. “Especially for the girls that hadn’t been there in the past and in this environment.

O’Quinn’s current mixture is a blend of veteran and inexperienced, but after Thursday’s triumph, all have at least been on the postseason stage once.

Libby Grace Gann tallied 38 assists for the Spartans and Lacey Jeffcoat rolled up 30 digs, as each continue to prove their prowess at their positions. Both players had three aces as well.

Emmy Kilgore led the offensive charge with 13 kills, followed by eight from Caroline Davies and seven each from Ellie Ritter and Mimi Meadows. Freshman Grace Carr finished with five kills.

Mountain Brook faces Hoover at 3:30 p.m. Friday, as the super regional is played out for seeding purposes for next week’s state tournament at the Birmingham CrossPlex. The Spartans will either play in the finals or in the consolation match at 8 p.m.