The AHSAA volleyball playoffs and road to the Elite Eight in Pelham began Monday with area tournaments being played throughout the state.

In Class 3A, Area 6, Montevallo advanced to a regional after sweeping Sumter County in a best-of-five match, 25-15, 25-12 and 25-22. Amber Caldwell helped lead the Bulldogs to the area championship with six kills, two blocks and two aces, while Brittney Bristow had seven aces and Sequoia Peeples had six.

The Bulldogs will travel to the winner of the Cordova, Northside and Summiton Christian area for a regional tournament Saturday.

Also in Class 3A, Indian Springs andvanced as the runner-up in Area 9. Springs survived a close match against rival Altamont, 3-2 (25-20, 25-14, 20-25, 24-26, 16-14) but fell to Walter Welborn in three games (35-5, 35-6, 25-12). Both teams travel to a regional Saturday.

In Class 2A, Area 8, Vincent’s season came to an end in a 3-0 loss to Shades Mountain Christian (25-16, 25-14, 25-21).

Briarwood, Chelsea, Shelby County, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Thompson and Spain Park all played their area tournaments Tuesday. The winner of the Briarwood, Chelsea and John Carroll area will host a regional Saturday.

Tuesday’s results will be available online Tuesday night at www.shelbycountyreporter.com.