GULF SHORES, Alabama — The Gulf Shores Lady Dolphins swept McAdory 25-13, 25-19, 25-12 in a 5A sub-state match on Thursday and reached their second-straight AHSAA Elite Eight.

The Dolphins (30-14) bring just one starter back to this year's Elite Eight after a Final Four run last season. Senior Virginia Jones is back, while Erin McKee and Skylar Stuckey subbed during last year's tournament. Gulf Shores will play the winner of Walker and Madison County on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex in the first round of the Elite Eight tournament.

"Beginning of the year (getting back to the Elite Eight) was our major goal because of the turnover we had on the team," Gulf Shores head coach Wing Brett said. "Now we are looking to go up there and spoil somebody's parade. It is going to be interesting, it is going to be fun. This team just never gives up. They have had some really good matches and we've been behind and have come back to win to beat teams that people didn't think we could beat. Competing with teams that we shouldn't be on the floor with. They just don't know any better."

Virginia Jones had 24 kills, Lauren Tait had 24 assists and Erin McKee had 14 kills in the win for the Lady Dolphins.

"Hopefully the nerves won't get them too much because it is a different venue," Brett said of the Pelham Civic Complex, where the Elite Eight is held. "You have a lot of people there and they will be looking in the stands to see their friends. It is a privilege to go."