JACKSONVILLE – After splitting their two Class 4A, Area 12 matches during the season, the Cherokee County Lady Warriors defeated Alexandria when it really mattered: the area tournament.

Cherokee County swept the Lady Valley Cubs 25-18, 25-18 and 25-19 in the opening round of the Area 12 tournament on Tuesday, securing a spot in Saturday’s regional tournament at Saks.

The Lady Warriors (24-17) advanced to play Jacksonville (39-7) in the area final, but fell to the Lady Golden Eagles 25-22, 25-16, 25-7.

Cherokee County will play Haleyville at 10 a.m. at the Saks regional tournament. Jacksonville will play West Point.

“I am so proud of all the girls for executing the skills we worked on in practice,” Cherokee County coach Amy Barnes said. “We had many girls step up and make big plays that helped us pull off this win (against Alexandria).”

Leading the charge for Cherokee County in the area tournament was Malorie Rosser, who had 16 kills. Laura Rochester added 18 digs. Haley Highfield managed 29 assists, six kills and four blocks. Candace Blanchard had 12 digs and six kills and Lauren Millsaps finished with six kills and four blocks.

Jacksonville, which swept Hokes Bluff 25-10, 25-8, 25-8 in its area tournament opener, was led by Taylor Palmer’s 25 kills, seven blocks and two aces. Caroline Niesler added 20 kills and three aces. Megan Cabrer finished with 41 assists, six kills and six aces.