AHSAA VOLLEYBALL: Trinity ends long championship drought

By TIM GAYLE

A 26-year drought ended Thursday as Trinity captured the 3A state volleyball championship with a sweep of Plainview at the Birmingham Crossplex’s Bill Harris Arena.

Second-year coach Sarah Dubberley guided her squad from area runner-up to an impressive postseason run, starting with Catholic and Prattville Christian in the area tournament, beating Goshen in the sub-regional round and then defeating Cottage Hill, Thomasville and Houston Academy in the South Super Regional without dropping a set.

Once in Birmingham, the Wildcats continued their streak with 3-0 victories over Lauderdale County in the quarterfinals, Prattville Christian in the semifinals and Plainview on Thursday, winning 25-15, 25-13 and 25-18. 

“This is such a special group,” Dubberly said. “It’s truly incredible they were able to do it.”

Tournament most valuable player Addison Cherry handed out 42 assists for Trinity, while Mary Elizabeth Hill had 15 kills and Emma Moody added 12 kills. Senior libero Jackie Miller led the defense with 20 digs.

Jocelyn Hatfield paced Plainview (29-20) with 10 kills and eight digs, and Allie Price had 17 assists and 11 digs. Abby McGee added 15 digs.

Trinity (23-8) won its first state championship since 1994 in the process and went through postseason unbeaten after not making it out of the area tournament last season. 

Joining Cherry on the all-tournament team were Moody and Hill, along with Hatfield, Price and McGee from Plainview.