Greenbrier climbs to top spot in volleyball tourney

No one knew who the top volleyball team was in Columbia County with only a week left in the 2005 volleyball season.

Lakeside, Greenbrier, and Evans battled toward a three-way collision atop the Area 2-AAAA standings, and only a controversial second tie-breaker could decide who would play who in the Area Tournament.

Eventually, Evans came out of the pile as the No. 1 seed, but its season came to a premature end after falling to both Lakeside and Greenbrier.

Green-brier and Lakeside fought each other in the Area Tournament Champion-ship. Lakeside claimed the crown last season, but Greenbrier took the top spot this year.

Meanwhile, Harlem High School, playing in the competitive Area 3-AAA Tournament, came up one win shy of the championship game. The Volleydogs' season ended in the area tournament after defeating Glenn Hills twice but losing to Cross Creek and Richmond Academy for an early season ending.

Among private schools, Augusta Prep blew through their Georgia Independent Schools Association regular season again and threw in wins against North Augusta (twice), Aiken, South Aiken and Midland Valley.

The Lady Cavaliers finished their season after losing in the GISA AAA State Semifinals with a 22-4 mark and a GISA Region 4-AAA Championship.

News-Times Volleyball All-County Teams

First Team

Melissa Lewis, Greenbrier, Sr.: The team's vocal leader. She averaged more than six kills and seven digs per game as an All-Region player.

Amanda O'Neal, Greenbrier, Jr.: Came up big in the clutch several times this year. Her 88 aces came at the most opportune times.

Kim Newman, Lakeside, Sr.: Absolutely took over in the Area Tournament win over Evans to lead Lakeside to the state playoffs.

Amy Burress, Lakeside, Sr.: Heady athlete who came alive at just the right times this year.

Dallas Tranum, Evans, Sr.: Led the team as the only starting senior. She helped Evans to a win over Greenbrier in her final home game as a Lady Knight.

Rebecca Adkins, Augusta Prep, Sr.: GISA All-State selection on a team that made the GISA State Final Four. In the Lady Cavalier offense, every play went through her.

Second Team

Aiden Yeager, Evans, Jr.: A monster at the net ... and she'll be back next year.

Jessica Dossett, Augusta Prep, Sr.: Blew out her knee five days before the state playoffs but still led the team in kills and blocks this year.

Nicole Abbott, Augusta Prep, So.: Earned a spot on the GISA All-Region Team and played big in the team's run through the state playoffs.

Kelsey Sheron, Greenbrier, Sr.: Missed out on the postseason with a torn ACL, but 50 service aces, 88 kills and 163 digs are still impressive numbers.

Ashley Timmons, Harlem, So.: All-Area performer with 12 assists and five digs in Harlem's win to eliminate Glenn Hills from the 3-AAA Area Tournament.

Carol Skenes, Lakeside, Jr.: Gave the Lady Panthers another dimension of play as a junior.

Volleyball Player of the Year

Melissa Lewis

Volleyball Coach of the Year

Rich Bland