By GRAHAM CARR / Staff Writer

SELMA-Kingwood Christian advanced to the AISA state volleyball championships after the Lions finished second at the Class 2A Region 2 tournament on Oct. 16 at Morgan Academy.

After getting a bye in the first round, the Lions defeated Escambia 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-15) in the first game of the seven team tournament. Madelyn Pearce led the Lions with 14 kills, six digs and two aces, while Casey Whitmer added nine kills, two blocks and eight aces.  Blair Holsomebeck had a kill, nine digs, 20 assists and three aces.  The win advanced the Lions to the state championship as the top two teams advance from each from the region tournament.

Kingwood fell to Morgan Academy 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17) in the region championship.  Pearce again led the Lions with eight kills and two aces, while Whitmer added seven kills and two blocks.  Sloane Pickett added five kills while, Holsomebeck had four kills and 17 assists.

The state championships will be Saturday, Oct. 20 at Faulkner University.