By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

MONTGOMERY — It took four sets, but the Cornerstone Christian Chargers secured a place in the AISA Class A State Championship match with a 3-1 win over Southern Academy Oct. 24 at Faulkner University in Montgomery.

The first set saw the lead seesaw between the two squads, with neither seeming to get any kind of advantage. Up 22-21, the Chargers appeared to finally clear the Cougars, but Southern went on a 4-1 run to capture the first set, 25-23.

Cornerstone looked to be in trouble in the second set, falling behind 6-10. The Chargers then put together a furious comeback, going on an 14-2 run to take a 20-12 lead. The run gave CCS the momentum for the set, and ultimately the rest of the match. Despite an attempted comeback by Southern, Cornerstone held on for a 25-16 set win.

The third set saw the Chargers open up a 2-1 lead and never look back, taking the set, 25-18.

The fourth set was a back-and-forth affair through the early stages of the event, with Southern opening up with a 4-3 lead. A 6-3 Charger run put CCS up 9-6, and the squad never trailed again, taking a 25-17 win in the set, and the 3-1 match win.

Head coach Cyndi Sims said she felt the opening set loss was due to unfamiliar setting.

“(It was our) first time in a new place,” she said. “After that, we played solid volleyball. That’s all it takes.”

The Chargers will face the winner of the Bessemer Academy-Edgewood Academy match. Check back with ShelbyCountyReporter.com for updates.