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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Celie Field (9) spikes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Hannah Hitson (32) passes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Sims Kilgore (11) spikes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Sims Kilgore (11) spikes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Lilly Gilbert (3) keeps the ball in play in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
The Spartans’ react after defeating Hazel Green in a class 6A semifinal match during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Celie Field (9) passes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
The Spartans’ react after defeating Hazel Green in a class 6A semifinal match during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
The Spartans’ react after defeating Hazel Green in a class 6A semifinal match during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Alexandra Carlson (8) dives to keep a ball in play in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Celie Field (9) spikes the ball to in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook head coach Vickie Nichols calls the play in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Evelyn King (2) serves in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Celie Field (9) spikes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Greer Golden (5) spikes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Lilly Gilbert (3) passes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Lilly Gilbert (3) passes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Celie Field (9) passes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - Hazel Green vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Greer Golden (5) spikes the ball in a class 6A semifinal match between Hazel Green and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Mountain Brook defeated Hazel Green to advance to the state finals against Hartselle. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Sims Kilgore (11) spikes the ball at the net in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook's Hannah Parant (1) sends the ball over the net in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Greer Golden (5) spikes the ball in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Evelyn King (2) passes the ball in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Evelyn King (2) serves in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Lilly Gilbert (3) serves in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Celie Field (9) serves in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Sims Kilgore (11) spikes the ball in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Lilly Gilbert (3) serves in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
John Carroll’s Grace Horton (10) spikes the ball as Mountain Brook’s Sims Kilgore (11) jumps to block in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook's Hannah Parant (1) sets the ball up for Mountain Brook’s Hannah Hitson (32) in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook's Hannah Parant (1) sets the ball for a teammate in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Sims Kilgore (11) spikes the ball over the net in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook's Hannah Parant (1) and Mountain Brook’s Hannah Hitson (32) jump to block the ball as John Carroll’s Grace Horton (10) spikes it over the net in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Evelyn King (2) passes the ball in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Sims Kilgore (11) spikes the ball in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Celie Field (9) spikes the ball at the net in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Evelyn King (2) serves in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook’s Lilly Gilbert (3) sends the ball over the net in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
State Volleyball - JCCHS vs MBHS
Mountain Brook's Hannah Parant (1) sets the ball as Mountain Brook’s Greer Golden (5) moves into position for the spike in a class 6A quarterfinal match between John Carroll and Mountain Brook during the AHSAA Volleyball State Championship held at the Birmingham Crossplex on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.
BIRMINGHAM -- It was no walk in the park for the Mountain Brook High School volleyball team on Tuesday.
The defending Class 7A champions dropped down to 6A this fall, and advanced through a pair of state tournament matches at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
In the 6A quarterfinals in the morning, the Spartans swept John Carroll in three sets (25-14, 25-16, 25-17). In the match, Celie Field led the charge with 12 kills, six digs and three aces. Lilly Gilbert added nine digs and six kills, while Greer Golden had five kills. Evelyn King had four digs and passed a 2.1 percentage.
The semifinal matchup with Hazel Green was a grueling, back-and-forth affair, with Mountain Brook taking all it could handle in a five-set victory (23-25, 27-25, 26-24, 15-25, 15-9).
Even though Mountain Brook dropped the first set, the Spartans rallied from a deficit of nearly 10 points late in the set. The second set was much closer throughout and the Spartans earned a tight win.
The third set was the turning point in the match, as Mountain Brook managed to rally from a 22-10 hole by scoring 16 of the final 18 points.
Hazel Green ran away with the fourth set before Mountain Brook put the match away in the fifth.
In the win, Field had eight kills and seven digs. King contributed 33 digs and Hannah Parant had 35 assists. Gilbert finished with a double-double of 11 kills and 10 digs.
Mountain Brook will face Hartselle at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Bill Harris Arena in the 6A title match. The Spartans are going for their second consecutive state championship and the fifth in program history (2014-16, 2019).
