Tammy Richardson’s Pelham Panthers looked poised to make another run at a state championship Thursday as the Panthers swept through pool play; but Grissom had other ideas as the Panthers volleyball team was upended 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-18 in the semifinals.

Pelham flew through Pool 2, beating Austin, Baldwin County and Enterprise Thursday. The Panthers once again squared off against Austin Friday, downing the Bears 25-12, 25-19, 25-15 in the quarterfinals before eventually losing to Grissom.

Also representing Shelby County in the Elite Eight were Robbie Wilson’s Briarwood Christian Lions.

The Lions also had much success in pool play, downing Benjamin Russell and Muscle Shoals before falling to Southside Gadsden Thursday night.

Briarwood regrouped Thursday, beating Gardendale 25-21, 16-25, 26-24, 25-17 before once again falling to Southside Gadsden 25-18, 24-26, 25-12, 25-11 in the semifinals, thus ending the Lions’ season.

Pelham’s Casey Dent, who lead the Panthers in most offensive categories, and Briarwood’s Katie England were named to the All-Tournament teams