Last year, Montgomery Academy volleyball narrowly missed a state tournament appearance after a heartbreaking loss in the second round. In 2026, that heartbreak was substituted with joy.
Montgomery Academy claimed the Single A AHSAA South Regional championship in a 3-0 match win over Prattville Christian at the Multiplex at the Cramton Bowl on Thursday, Oct. 22. It's a significant contrast from where the Eagles were last season when the regional tournament ended.
Now crowned as regional champions, Montgomery Academy will be on the hunt for a Blue Map under coach Jada Coleman in her first year as head coach of the Eagles.
The Montgomery Advertiser breaks down what went right for Montgomery Academy in the championship game, and what it could mean for the state tournament.
Montgomery Academy volleyball doesn't panic and never gives in
Prattville Christian opened the first set with all the momentum over Montgomery Academy. The Panthers were slowly starting to overwhelm the Eagles in the early going, but not once did Montgomery Academy give in.
Instead, the Eagles clawed their way back into the game behind a veteran presence and the aid from underclassmen.
Seniors Rehmat Sidhu, Morgan Springer and Bennett Britt were able to get in rhythm and flip the momentum back in favor of Montgomery Academy.
The level heads of its senior leadership give the Eagles a fighting chance, even when their backs are up against the wall.
Montgomery Academy is methodical in its attack
The Eagles don't always rely on one aspect of their game to prevail. Montgomery Academy is strategic in its approach when attacking for points.
Against Prattville Christian, sometimes it was using the Panthers' own power against them in the front row by notching blocks. The Eagles didn't always play for the big spike, but looked for the soft zones on the court to lay kills in vacated positions in the court.
But when Montgomery Academy needed a big hit, the Eagles could also provide it from the outside. It's a well-rounded team that can game plan using all phases of the game.
What Montgomery Academy players could be vital in state title bid?
Montgomery Academy sophomore Elizabeth Campbell plays the Libero position for the Eagles, but could play a pivotal role even though her position isn't offensive-heavy.
Against Prattville Christian, Campbell displayed her ability from the serving line. Campbell can accurately position the ball in vulnerable areas of the court with what appeared like a ball that knuckles before it reaches the ground. Paired with her ability to receive powerful kills — Campbell could be a secret weapon for the Eagles in the state tournament.
And when the Eagles need the power, it's supplied by outside hitter, Bennett Britt.
When Montgomery Academy needed to match Prattville Christian's power, it called upon Britt and she delivered almost every time. But it's not just the power that makes Britt special, it's her ability to see the holes in a defense and when she should opt for a more finesse kill.
Jaeden Day covers high school sports, Alabama State football and Auburn recruiting for the Montgomery Advertiser/USA Today. You can find him on X at dayjaeden12, or reach him at JDay@montgome.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery Academy volleyball crowned Single A AHSAA regional champs