By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Sports Editor

Spain Park, Pelham and Thompson’s girls’ bowling teams are all three headed to the south regionals of the state bowling playoffs, which kick off on Jan. 19 at Gulf Bowl in Foley.

The Lady Warriors went undefeated in Area 7 play to finish ahead of Pelham, who’s only two area losses this season were to Thompson, which guaranteed them a second place finish and advancement to the post season.

Spain Park’s story is a little different. In the Jags’ last regular season matchup of the season they hosted area foe Vestavia with the Area 8 championship on the line. A win and the Jags take the crown by themselves, a loss and they share the crown with the Rebels.

Coming into the match, Spain Park had a record of 15-1 with their only loss coming to Thompson all the way back on Nov. 14. The Rebels obviously came in hot as well bringing in a 5-1 area record as they looked to avenge their earlier season loss to the Jags.

In a match you couldn’t even make up, Spain Park fell by one pin, 981-980, to share the area championship with Vestavia. After a dominating season, that one pin kept them from winning the area championship. The good news, both teams are heading to state and the Lady Jags are still considered to be one of the elite bowling programs in the state.

All three of the county teams have now booked their tickets to Foley by finishing in the top two of their respective areas. Out of the 16 girls’ teams heading to the south regional, half will advance on to the state tournament, which will be held Jan. 26-27.