Briarwood Christian School volleyball coach Justin Dee gave his players a little freedom on Senior Night.

With a Class 5A, Area 8 title already wrapped up, Dee let his seniors close out a win over Chelsea by allowing them to play the entire third set in the match without substitutions.

“I told them to just have some fun,” Dee said. “Tonight was more about them, than about winning.”

The Lions (22-19, 4-0 in Class 5A, Area 8) completed their area schedule with a perfect record following a 25-17, 25-14, 25-13 win over the Hornets. Briarwood will host the Area 8 tournament Oct. 13, as the Lions will play the winner of the opening match between Chelsea and John Carroll.

Julia Hoke and Kate Carter led the Lions with seven kills each in the win over Chelsea. Hannah Waid had 12 assists and Susanna McKinney had 11 assists.

Alexis Kantaris led Chelsea with five kills and 10 digs.

Dee said he’s seen a big difference in the Lions since the team finished second at Hoover’s Over the Mountain tournament. He had his team watch John Maxwell’s “17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork,” which helped his players better understand their roles, Dee said.

“We moved some people around to see who gives us the best value at each position,” Dee said. “I think we’ve found it and it’s propelled us.”

In other high school volleyball action Oct. 6, Oak Mountain completed its Class 6A, Area 10 schedule with a perfect 6-0 record following a 25-10, 25-8, 25-12 win over Minor. Samantha Skinner led the Eagles with 15 kills. Emily Cosgrove added six kills and two blocks.

Pelham improved to 32-2 with a 25-18, 27-29, 25-23, 25-15 win over Vestavia Hills. Ally Slaughter led the Panthers with 22 kills and 10 digs. Toni Wellborn had 12 kills and 14 digs. Lindsey Young had six kills and 31 assists. Brittany Jack added 11 digs.