Quarterfinal loss ends Hornets season
BIRMINGHAM – In the moment, the loss stung.
The Chelsea High School volleyball team had a stated goal of capturing the program’s first Class 6A state championship. The Hornets played like a team on a mission all season long and advanced to the state tournament for just the second time in school history.
But the journey came to an end on Wednesday, as Chelsea fell to Hartselle 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 23-25, 20-25) in the 6A quarterfinals at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
“Stuff didn’t fall our way and that’s what I told them, that it just wasn’t meant for us to win,” Chelsea head coach Jessica Pickett said, “because a couple of those sets could’ve gone either way, especially the second and third.”
Chelsea (51-6) rolled to victory in the first set, but lost the second and third sets by two points each. The Hornets were unable to overcome those setbacks and dropped the fourth set as well.
“I think nerves played a part in it, because obviously, none of those girls have ever been here before,” Pickett said. “But again, the game could’ve gone either way so I just don’t think it was our day.”
On paper, it appeared from the outset of the season this year’s team could be the one to break through for Chelsea. The Hornets have had teams good enough to make it to state over the last few years, but have fallen victim to a tough area and bad matchups at times.
“It means a lot for this program, because we’ve been wanting to get here forever,” Pickett said. “We’ve fallen short a couple years, but I think it sets a precedent for our program and we’ve got to work to get back here.”
Chelsea’s body of work was nothing short of remarkable, despite the loss on Wednesday. The Hornets won their first 15 matches of the season and collected tournament victories at Briarwood, Smiths Station, Chelsea and St. Paul’s in the regular season. They won the Area 8 tournament with victories over Calera and Pelham.
At the South Super Regional Tournament Oct. 25-26, Chelsea notched victories over Saraland, Opelika and Pelham, falling only to Spanish Fort.
“They’re so close and they love each other and they work so hard,” Pickett said. “They wanted to do something for their community and I believe they did. Yeah, they fell short of their goal of a championship but they worked hard together.”
The Hornets had four seniors in libero Victoria Schmer, setter Bailey-Drew McIntyre, middle hitter Sarah Moore and outside hitter Zoe LaBreche.
“They mean the world to me,” Pickett said of the seniors. I always say they’re like my daughters, because I don’t have a daughter.”
Chelsea still has plenty to look forward to next year, with key contributors Hope Wright, Mya Bernard and Amaya Rudolph all returning along with several others that should take on bigger roles next fall.
“These girls have worked hard to get to this point,” Pickett said. “It’s just emotional because that was the last game with the seniors. But I’m proud of them. They pushed past it and got here.”
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