DAPHNE, Alabama — The visiting Lady Saints spoiled some of the senior-night atmosphere for the Bayside Lady Admirals with a 32-27 road win in Daphne Monday. But a bright spot for the home team was the recognition of senior Virginia Pittman surpassing the 1,000 point career mark to level her five-year total with 1,010 with the area tournament and possibly more post-season action still to come.

Pittman actually reached the milestone Thursday at Spanish Fort, but did not know for sure until Bayside coach Brittany Davidson checked the records.

“I had no idea,” Pittman said. The six-foot-two center also finished her volleyball career at B. A. with more than 1,200 kills and a co-MVP award at the state tournament. “I guess I’ve always considered myself a volleyball player first and kept up with it more. But I really love basketball and enjoy it, too.”

Davidson said after she checked Pittman’s varsity scores since the eighth grade she had finished the game at Spanish Fort with an even 1,000 total points. Coincidentally, SF senior Elaine Wood broke the 1,000-point barrier as well that night.

“When they announced it for Elaine, I knew I needed to check for Virginia because I knew she must be getting close and she was already there. It’s really quite a milestone because Virginia is not a selfish ball-handling player. She will go for the sure goal or the best percentage shot even if that means kicking it back out. But with her height and athleticism it was just a matter of time. If she gets the ball inside she almost always got a bucket or got fouled and made free throws. But she also hustles so hard on defense and keeps us in games from both ends of the court. We sure are going to miss her next year, but she’s been a great role model for all the younger ones and I’m so proud of her.”

Pittman recently won the state volleyball Gatorade Player of the year award which is given for high academic, extra curricular, community service and personal character achievement. “It’s just an extra good feeling to be recognized for hard work. I think it shows also that hard work does pay off and if you’re going to get involved in something it’s good to do it to the best of your ability. It’s really more rewarding that way.”

Pittman and Maggie Cooper finished with eight points each to lead the Admirals. Joyce Wharton had 14 points for St. Paul's to lead all scorers.

Bayside heads to Cottage Hill Christian for the first round of the 3A Area 1 tournament where they will play T.R. Miller at 4:30 p.m. Cottage Hill will take on W.S. Neal at 6 p.m.