The Kingwood Christian School volleyball team couldn’t defend its Alabama Independent Schools Association Class 2A title Saturday as the Lions fell in the semifinals to Morgan Academy at the Final Four at Faulkner University in Montgomery.

The Lions had the upper hand early as they opened the match with a 6-1 lead in the first set. After dropping the first two sets, Kingwood rallied to take the third set before Morgan won the fourth set to clinch the match.

“Our girls played hard, really hard,” said Kingwood coach John Jones. “Just to make it here was an accomplishment for us. I’ve been proud of them all year.”

“They have been exceeding expectations,” he added. “They played like champions, just the fact that they fought back and had the courage to play so well.”

Senior Lauren Rozof led the Lions (25-15) with 12 kills and seven blocks as Kingwood fell 25-17, 25-12, 20-25, 25-22 to Morgan Academy in the 10 a.m. semifinal match.

Casey Whitmer finished with 10 kills, two blocks and two service aces. Karley Chamblee had 11 assists and five service aces in the loss. Kaytlin Thorson finished with five digs.

Morgan Academy captured the Class 2A title with a win over Clarke Prep in the championship match.

Buster Wolfe contributed to this report.