BIRMINGHAM – Spanish Fort libero Meg Brackhan provided the defensive spark that ignited the Toros’ 27-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-21 victory over Hazel Green Thursday as the Toros downed Hazel …
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Spanish Fort libero Meg Brackhan provided the defensive spark that ignited the Toros’ 27-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-21 victory over Hazel Green Thursday as the Toros downed Hazel Green in a much anticipated rematch of the 2018 finals to claim the Class 6A state title for the second straight year at Bill Harris Arena.
The 49th Elite Eight State Volleyball Championships here continue today with state champions in Class 2A, Class 1A and Class 4A still to be crowned. All matches are being live-streamed by the NFHS Network over its subscriber-based program.
Brackhan became the first libero to earn MVP honors after she turned in a hustling, courageous effort for the Toros (72-6) that resulted in a 2019 state tournament high 41 digs for Coach Gretchen Boykin’s team. She also had seven assists. Most important, however, she kept numerous points alive with her diving, sliding saves.
Senior outside hitter Avery Rodgers had 21 kills, junior outside hitter Kamble Frenette had 19 kills and middle hitter Mya Barnes had 10 kills to pace the offense. Setter Kayla Keshock had 48 assists and seven digs.
Hazel Green (58-9), coached by CoCo Tate Hughes, also had a tremendous defensive effort with 77 team digs. Spanish Fort totaled 78. Four different Trojans had 12 of more including Gracie Lynn Butler with 19, Catherine Smith with 14, Brittany Strope with 13 and Camryn Bassler with 12. Butler also had a match high 23 kills and three blocks. Smith, the setter, had 36 assists.
Spanish Fort’s state title was the third for the Toros (2015, 2018 and 2019). Hazel Green, which won the 6A title in 2016, has seven state championships overall.
CLASS 6A ALL-STATE TOURNAMENT TEAM
Meg Brackhan, Spanish Fort (MVP); Avery Rodgers, Spanish Fort; Kayla Keshock, Spanish Fort; Kamble Frenette, Spanish Fort; Gracie Lynn Butler, Hazel Green; Catherine Smith, Hazel Green.