Hartselle falls to Grissom JV in Brewer Tournament final

By Staff
Justin Schuver, Hartselle Enquirer
The high school volleyball season got off to a roaring start Saturday as 16 teams participated in the Brewer/Pepsi Invitational Tournament at Brewer High School. In the championship game, Grissom’s junior varsity took the tournament crown with a 23-25, 25-20, 15-10 win over Hartselle. Grissom was the Class 6A state runner-up in 2005.
In the semifinal games, Hartselle defeated host Brewer 25-18, 21-25, 15-8 and Grissom JV knocked off Madison Academy in three games. In the quarterfinals, Brewer defeated Danville, Hartselle knocked off Arab, Madison Academy beat Fairview and Grissom JV moved past Good Hope.
The tournament opened with pool play games beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until the final match at 7:30 p.m. With games taking place at both Brewer’s main gym and auxiliary practice gym, the atmosphere was lively throughout.
In its pool play games, Hartselle defeated Priceville 25-22, 25-17; Catholic 25-9, 25-14; and Good Hope 25-18, 25-12. Leading the Tigers with 48 kills was Mary Virginia Reeves. Emily Roden was the defensive leader with a team-high 27 digs. Reeves also led the team with 41 blocks and six aces.
Seniors Kayla Orr and Lauren Drake also had considerable contributions at the tournament. Drake finished with 53 kills, 23 digs and 10 blocks and Orr led the team from her setter position with 90 assists while also adding 18 digs and 10 blocks.
Hartselle’s record improved to 6-2 on the season.
In its pool play games, Brewer defeated Decatur, Fairview and St. Bernard to win its pool. The Lady Patriots improved to 4-2.