GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Gulf Shores Lady Dolphins defeated Spanish Fort 25-22, 25-8, 25-23 in the consolation round but both teams advanced out of the 5A Regional A in Gulf Shores on Saturday.

Gulf Shores will play at Chelsea in the sub-state round on Thursday, while Spanish Fort will visit Briarwood. Sub-state winners will advance to the Elite Eight in Pelham.

The Dolphins fell to St.Paul’s 25-13, 26-24, 25-18 in the second round after sweeping Russell County in the opener. Gulf Shores coach Wing Brett said his team struggled against a good St. Paul’s team.

“We just got whipped up on,” he said. “St. Paul’s played real well, and we hadn’t seen them in a long time and they just took it to us.

“We learned a lot. The good thing is we’re not out, we just have to find a different way to the state finals than the one we were looking for.”

In the consolation match against Spanish Fort Virginia Jones had 16 kills and 11 digs, Courtney Carter had 13 kills and Laura Peavy had 30 assists.

Spanish Fort played without 6-footer Taylor Morehouse, who was injured in the Toros’ second round loss to Faith Academy.

Spanish Fort coach Barclay Kercher said she hopes Morehouse can come back for the sub-state round on Thursday.

“Hopefully Taylor will be fine and back in the lineup,” Kercher said. “If not, people are going to have to step up and do their job.

“We still have a shot, we just have to play together as a team and play hard and hopefully we can make it to the Elite Eight.”

Bayside advances to sub-state

GENEVA – At Geneva High School, defending 3A state champion Bayside Academy took third and will advance to the next round.

The Lady Admirals are pursuing their ninth conscutive state title.

Bayside defeated T.R. Miller 25-15, 25-18, 25-8 in the consolation match and will travel for the sub-state round on Thursday.

Bayside’s sub-state pairing was not available at press time.

Below: Virginia Jones serves on two points for Gulf Shores against Spanish Fort in the 5A Volleyball Regional A at Gulf Shores on Saturday. Video by Eric Mann.

Below: Mary Layson Gottfried spikes for a point for Gulf Shores against Spanish Fort on Saturday in the 5A Volleyball Regional at Gulf Shores. Video by Eric Mann.