On Oct. 18 at Collinsville, Gaylesville won its second straight Class 1A, Area 11 championship.

In the title match, Gaylesville defeated Cedar Bluff, 25-11, 25-14.



The Lady Trojans opened with a 26-28, 25-19, 25-20 victory over the host Lady Panthers, followed by a 25-18, 12-25, 25-18 win over the Lady Tigers.



Gaylesville and Cedar Bluff advanced to the Class 1A, Region C Tournament at Athens Bible on Saturday along with Spring Garden, Athens Bible, Donoho, Jacksonville Christian, Mount Hope and Faith Christian.



“Earlier in the day, Monique Watwood was injured in a cheerleading accident, and the team came together and won it for her,” said Gaylesville head coach Steve Baker. “This was a total team effort with all players contributing – all eight who played and Monique who provided leadership and encouragement from the bench. [Cedar Bluff head] coach [Terri] Hopper and her girls displayed good sportsmanship and I wish them good luck at the regionals.”



For Gaylesville, Amber Moseley had 23 kills, followed by Casey Stallings with 11, Melissa Flynt with seven and Keia Johnson with four.



Jennifer Aldridge dealt out 29 assists, while Robbie Shelton distributed 20.



Stallings came up with 23 digs, followed by Flynt with 22 and Shelton with 16.



“I told the girls that we’ve won several area tournaments before, but I’m more proud of this group than any other that I’ve ever coached,” said Baker. “With only one returning starter [Shelton], we really weren’t supposed to win. Our 7th grader and 9th graders [Moseley, Johnson and Taylor Gladney] really grew up today. [Assistant coaches] Ashley Slayton and Curt Hendon have done an outstanding job both with the varsity and junior varsity.