Southside’s volleyball season faced a tough test Wednesday as the Panthers fell to Spanish Fort 3-0 in the Class 5A state tournament. Spanish Fort won the match 25-21, 25-20 and 25-19 to advance in the tournament and continue its pursuit of a third consecutive state championship.
The Panthers battled throughout the first two sets, staying within reach of the Toros before Spanish Fort pulled away to secure each set. Southside was unable to overcome the Toros in the third set, as Spanish Fort closed out the match with a 25-9 victory.
Spanish Fort continued its postseason run later Wednesday with a four-set victory over Mountain Brook, winning 25-18, 25-23, 19-25 and 25-17. The Toros secured the match after dropping the third set to keep their championship hopes alive.
With the win, Spanish Fort advanced to the Class 5A state championship match against Jasper, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m.
