MOBILE – Spanish Fort’s Lady Toros and the Gulf Shores Lady Dolphins fell in the 5A Regional A tournament at St. Paul’s on Saturday.

St. Paul’s, 5A’s top-ranked team and defending state champ, defeated the ninth-ranked Lady Toros 25-9, 25-21, 25-11 in the first round. The sixth-ranked Lady Dolphins lost to fourth-ranked Faith Academy 25-23, 25-19, 24-26, 25-16 earlier in the day.

Spanish Fort coach Barclay Kercher knew it would be a tall order to defeat the Lady Saints, who have won three straight 5A championships.

“I feel like we were one of the four best teams here today,” Kercher said. “It is a shame that us and Gulf Shores fell out so quickly because of who we had to play.”

Allison Landry had seven assists for Spanish Fort against St. Paul’s. Melissa Zuercher had six kills and 10 digs, Angelle McMillan and Shelby Crain had four kills each and Kristen Hall had six digs.

Landry, Zuercher, McMillan, Hall and Shelby Robinson were seniors for Spanish Fort (26-21).

Gulf Shores (35-14) seniors were Emily Brett, Erin Brett and Tabitha Larkan.

Monroe County and Eufala both advanced out of the first round and will move on to the sub-state round on Thursday.

St. Paul’s won the tournament, while Faith Academy finished second. Both teams will host sub-state matches on Thursday.