Historic season ends for Sherwood in GIAA Final Four

MONROE — One loss ended Sherwood Christian’s season Friday. It did not erase everything the Lady Eagles accomplished before it.

Top-seeded Valwood defeated Sherwood in straight sets, 25-13, 25-22 and 25-17, in the GIAA Class AA Final Four at George Walton Academy in Monroe. The Valiants later beat Grace Christian to capture the state championship.

Sherwood finished 20-9 after becoming the first volleyball team in school history to win 20 matches in a season and the first to reach the GIAA Class AA Final Four.

“I’m proud of this team,” Sherwood coach Briana Collins said. “This season has been different in all the best ways. It’s been one of the most joyful seasons and teams that I’ve had the pleasure to coach.”

Valwood controlled the opening set, but Sherwood responded with its strongest push of the match in the second. The Lady Eagles stayed within striking distance before the eventual state champions held on for a 25-22 victory.

The Valiants closed out the semifinal by taking the third set 25-17, ending Sherwood’s breakthrough season one victory short of the championship match.

The result also settled a season series between two familiar opponents. Sherwood handed Valwood its first loss of the season when the teams met in Albany. The Valiants answered by beating the Lady Eagles in five sets in Valdosta before winning Friday’s semifinal on a neutral floor.

Sherwood’s run was led by three all-region selections representing three different classes: senior Julia Kendrick, junior Lizzie Hooks and sophomore Lizzy Roberts.

For Collins, however, the season carried an even deeper significance because of the relationships she developed with a senior class that helped transform the program.

“I have seven seniors on my roster of 10 and have coached them all four years of their high school careers,” Collins said. “This group is special to me and will be leaving a wonderful legacy in our program.”

That legacy includes a 20-win season, a Final Four appearance and evidence that Sherwood can compete with the best teams in GIAA Class AA. The Lady Eagles beat the eventual state champions once and pushed them to five sets in another meeting before falling in the state semifinals.

The final match did not end the way Sherwood wanted, but Collins said it should not overshadow everything that came before it.

“It’s tough to lose,” she said, “but this one match doesn’t define the historic season we had.”