Brewer finishes as runner-up in Class 5A. Riley Northway and Savana Flack were named to the 5A All-State Tournament Team. | Michael Wade/Wade Event Photography.

BIRMINGHAM – St. Paul’s Episcopal survived a tough 26-24 first game Thursday in the AHSAA Class 5A State Volleyball Tournament finals, then swept Brewer 25-17, 25-21 to claim the state crown at the Birmingham Crossplex Thursday.

Senior Shelley Spires, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter for Coach Kelli Hillier’s Lady Saints, had 29 kills and 10 digs to earned MVP honors. Setter Olivia Scarcliff had seven digs and 28 assists, Kittie Harless added 11 digs and Morgan Eiland had five kills.

Riley Northway led Brewer with 12 kills and four blocks. Savana Flack had eight killsand two blocks. Mallory Drinkard also had four service aces.

The state title was St. Paul’s 13th overall dating back to 1976 and their sixth in the last eight years. It was Brewer’s first trip to the finals.

Class 5A All-Tournament Team

Shelley Spires, St. Paul’s Episcopal MVP); Kourtney Wadkins, St. Paul’s Episcopal; Morgan Eiland, St. Paul’s Episcopal; Riley Northway, Brewer; Savana Flack, Brewer; Kelsi Hobbs, John Carroll Catholic; Ellie Poticny, John Carroll Catholic; Haley Jared, Hartselle.