BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Bayside Academy’s No. 1-Ranked Admirals didn’t go to Birmingham’s Crossplex on Halloween for trick or treat, but they found both in the Class 3A championship match when the upset-minded No. 3 Mustangs of Madison Academy came champing at the bit for more than runner-up hay.

But the Admirals’ drive for a 12th-consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Association Elite Eight state volleyball championship survived a close opening game challenge and a third-game loss to elevate their streak to an even dozen with a 33-31, 25-9, 20-25, 25-9 win.

Madison had knocked off No. 2-ranked Cottage Hill in the semifinals and showed true grit from the starting point. Each team took turns erasing a total of nine nerve-testing game points in the opener, but Bayside prevailed in the first-game marathon.

“I think it was a test of wills in that first game, just back and forth,” said Bayside coach Ann Schilling. “We knew it was big and winning it could really set the tone for the rest of the match, but then we took the second game so fast I think it kind of let the air out. We relaxed and they took advantage of it in game three. They are good.

“But I’m proud of the kids for regaining their focus after that. They answered the challenge and regained the momentum. Then finished strong. That’s what we work for—how to adjust and play forward. The last game, the last point, is over. It’s done. You can only affect the next play.”

Schilling’s 18th state championship as a coach at Bayside was the program’s 22nd overall.

“I’m always happy for the seniors when they get to experience this and we haven’t had this many in a good while,” she said. “This group is very close and always help each other. Sometimes that many (seniors) can work the other way, but this bunch has been a joy to work with and we will miss them next year. That’s for sure.”

The 12th-straight title was also the sixth in a row for seniors Jhalen Caffey and setter Sydney Chandler who both got to travel as upgraded seventh graders with the team but didn’t play at state that year. But the two both played varsity for the next five years. “I can’t explain it. It just means so much to us,” said Chandler who was named 3A Elite Eight MVP for the second time and now holds the National Federation of High Schools record for assists at 6,215 (freshman through senior seasons). Counting her eighth-grade season mark Chandler totals 7,409.

“I told Schilling we would do it,” Chandler said. “And we did—for her and the whole school. It’s a Happy Halloween.”

Caffey said all would seem out of place without another championship ring for her teammates and another blue trophy for Bayside’s crowded display case. “This is where we are supposed to be. Where we plan to be this time of year. We are like a big family. It just wouldn’t be October without us winning state.”

Caffey and Chander’s multiple-title-ring collection is also shared by senior teammates Morgan Dulaney, Madison Mathews and Harper Morrison who each have two-four titles. All appeared with their coach at the post-championship press conference. Morgan and freshman Lauren Chastang were also named to the all-state-tournament team.

Chandler joked that they had dressed up as volleyball players for the holiday and got the best treat, but her first emotion following the winning match point was uncontrollably tearful.

“I knew this would be my last game. It just felt so happy and all sad all at once,” she said. “I couldn’t stop crying. Everybody kept hugging me and they were crying. And, I don’t know—I just felt so much—all at once. I never doubted we could do it. But when it was over I thought, ‘I’ll never play for my high school again. Wow.’ It’s just a real emotional thing for me.”

For Schilling it was an important, emotional win as well, but a bittersweet one after losing her older sister Dottie Dooley in May and more recently having to leave her ailing 91-year-old mother Clara M. Schilling in hospice care at her home in Daphne.

“She’s not doing well,” Schilling said. “She knew where I was going and I’d be back soon. She understands—for a while. (She) Always supported us. The kids all know what’s been going on with me the last few months and they understand. I knew it was going to be hard to leave her to come up here, but I knew I needed to do it. The kids eased my mind and made it a lot easier for me.”

Dottie Schilling Dooley and their sister Lou Schilling Ledford played volleyball at McGill-Toolen Catholic before Ann later won three state titles as a player there. “Dottie was a wonderful person, and sister. I miss her. We all miss her every day.”

Chandler finished with 113 assists for the tournament with 48 in the title match. She totaled 30 digs, three aces, two blocks and two kills. Morgan Dulaney had 40 kills, seven blocks, three aces and 35 digs. Freshman Lauren Chastang had 38 kills, 32 digs, three blocks and six aces. Freshman Ariel Dulaney had 22 kills, seven blocks. Morrison added nine kills, six blocks. Caffey led the defensive effort with 43 digs. Matthews added 24 digs and eight aces. Junior defensive and service specialist Julia Martin led points on serve with 12 aces and added 19 digs.

Taylor Gill and Cece Blanchard led Madison Academy with 11 championship-match kills each. Abby Brooks scored six blocks, Kerri Whitaker added 17 digs, and Laura Milar set for 12 assists in the title match.

The 2013 AHSAA CLASS 3A STATE ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Most Valuable Player Chandler, Chastang and Morgan Dulaney of Bayside Academy, Blanchard and Gill of Madison Academy, Hannah Wentland of Cottage Hill Christian, Savanna Tidwell of Winston County. Chandler was also named the 2011 MVP as a sophomore and is a five-time all-tournament selection.