GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Gulf Shores Lady Dolphins knocked off 5A Area 2 rival Spanish Fort 25-13, 16-25, 25-11, 25-23 on Thursday.

The Dolphins (11-9, 3-0) got off to a quick start in the first game, going on an 11-1 run.

"I told them 'go home and figure out what we did so well and why we did it in game one but couldn't reproduce it in game two'," Gulf Shores coach Wing Brett said. "In game three we played real well defensively, kept a lot of balls off the floor, but in game one they couldn't do anything wrong."

The Toros battled back in game two with a 7-0 run that put Gulf Shores away in the middle of the game.

"Obviously coming to Gulf Shores and playing in 'The Tank,' the environment is pretty intimidating," Spanish Fort coach Barclay Kercher said. "I don't think my girls came out in game one prepared for that. I think they came out flat and timid."'

Gulf Shores scored the first nine points in the third game, went on a 6-0 run in the middle and finished with the last four points to win 25-11. Laura Peavy's kill in game four sealed the win for the Lady Dolphins. She finished with 34 assists to lead Gulf Shores.

"She is learning," Brett said. "She is having to replace a four-year starter and she is doing a great job and has come a long way and you can tell with 34 assists in a big match."

Virginia Jones had 16 kills, 14 digs and four aces, while Alexandra Hackworth had 14 digs and Allison Taylor had nine kills for Gulf Shores.

For Spanish Fort (9-9, 1-1), Amber Treace had 22 assists, Katie Godfrey had seven blocks, seven kills and five digs, Chelsea Yarbrough had six kills and four digs and Taylor Morehouse had seven kills, three blocks and three digs.

Gulf Shores will play in Spanish Fort's tournament on Saturday. The tournament begins at 8:30 a.m.

Below: Laura Peavy (4) sets to Allison Taylor who scores a point for Gulf Shores on a spike against Spanish Fort on Thursday. Video by Eric Mann.

Below: Chelsea Yarbrough serves and Alexis Treace (2) scores for Spanish Fort against Gulf Shores. Video by Eric Mann.