The Bob Jones volleyball team once again campaigned for another state title. After gaining the state title in 2013 and reaching the final four last season, the girls are ready for yet another challenge. Regardless of a rough start and a record of 23-20 going into the area tournament, the team marched toward another state ring. Olivia Willoughby, a senior volleyball player, said, “Our team is very motivated and goal oriented. From the beginning, we knew that there was a lot to improve on. Throughout our season, we have encouraged each other, which has been extremely beneficial…”

Despite facing scrutiny of graduating an entire starting line-up and then some, the Bob Jones volleyball team continues to reign supreme in Class 7A Area 8 volleyball beating Sparkman (25-10, 25-14, 25-22) and Hazel Green (22-25, 25-22, 16-25, 25-19, 15-12) at Hazel Green. Although being ranked No. 10 for the post season, Bob Jones volleyball has beaten No. 9 James Clemens, No. 8 Enterprise, and No. 6 Hazel Green and rallied with several of the top five teams in the state.

Earning back-to-back area titles, they moved on to play Grissom in the North Super Regionals at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. Unfortunately, the girl’s were unable to defeat Grissom (13-25, 21-25, 13-25).

The team contained five seniors who ended their high school volleyball careers earlier than they had hoped, including middle hitter Isabelle Barnes who is already committed to play at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The team, which includes four juniors, five sophomores, and one freshman, looks to build upon this season next August. Outside hitter Emma Jarrett, who is already a prominent varsity player as a freshman, has much to look forward to in her volleyball career at Bob Jones. Other players, such as junior setter Kara Harbin, will step into heavy leadership roles in the season to come.