• Pirates sweep Lions 3-0 in area action

FAIRHOPE—The Pirates defeated Foley in Class 7A, Area 2 match play Tuesday at Fairhope High School.  The Pirates won in straight sets 25-13, 25-14, 25-19.

Ellie Johnson led Fairhope with 8 kills, 4 blocks, 14 digs and 4 aces; Sydney Johnson set for 19 assists, had 12 digs and 2 kills; Shanaya Herman added 26 digs for the Pirates.

Down 2-0, Foley made a run in game three with a 10-point serving run by Shelby Collins. But the Fairhope defense got better passes to setter Sydney Johnson and finished out with the win.

Both Fairhope and Foley are trailing McGill-Toolen Catholic and Murphy in the Class 7 Area 2 standings.

“We are younger and less experienced,” said Fairhope head coach Lacey Powell. “But we are working hard to get better. We have a good group of players who love the game and want to play it at the highest level they can. Tonight we left the young ones in and they got to experience some real pressure, especially in that third game. That’s was good and they responded and got it back in control.”

Foley head coach Lauren Walker said she is proud of her team’s efforts.

“The Lady Lions never gave up in their matches against Fairhope,” she said. “Each match progressed with adjustments and focus. Not only did these girls not give up, but they truly believed in each other. We will hit the court hard tomorrow as we prepare for our next opponent.”

The Pirates play Oct. 7 at Robertsdale in a tri-match with Madison. The Lions will play in the Shrimp Festival Tournament Oct. 9-10.