By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Chelsea High School gave rival Briarwood Christian School its biggest challenge in the volleyball series between the two teams in the first meeting this season earlier this month.

The Lions didn’t overlook the Hornets in the final Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A, Area 7 regular season match between the two squads Sept. 22, with Briarwood Christian claiming a 25-12, 25-22, 25-20 sweep.

Freshman Lauren Palmer led the Lions (17-14 overall, 4-0 in Class 5A, Area 7) with eight kills in the victory. Palmer also recorded one block.

Senior Logan Nasworthy added six kills, five digs, one block and one service ace. Sophomore Georgia Muir-Taylor posted one kill and four service aces. Freshman Madison Chambers recorded one kill and two digs.

Junior Lizzie Baumbach finished with two service aces and a team-high nine digs. Sophomore Hope Donohue added seven digs, while senior Carly Cline chipped in five digs.

Junior Adeline Reiser contributed four digs and a team-high 16 assists in the match.

Senior Kacie Craft led Chelsea (19-9 overall, 3-2 in Class 5A, Area 7) with nine kills in the match. Craft also recorded four service aces.

Senior Samantha Colyer added six kills. Junior Holly Marbut contributed five kills.

Sophomore Emma Cotney led the Hornets with nine digs. Sophomore Courtney Campbell posted a team-high 14 assists. Senior Jesse Vohler provided 11 assists in the match.