The 2026 varsity volleyball season came to an end for four Franklin County teams after they all suffered defeats in their respective sub-region matches on Monday night.
Belgreen, which won the Class 1A Region 14 tournament last week, as well as Red Bay, Russellville and Tharptown, entering the AHSAA postseason as area tournament runners-up, all faltered against their playoff opponents.
Belgreen, the lone team in the county to host a sub-region contest, was done no real favor by drawing the defending 1A state champion Addison. Ranked No. 2 in 1A, Addison traveled to Belgreen only after finishing second to the No. 1 team in the state, Meek, in the Area 13 tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs of Belgreen fell 3-0 to the Lady Bulldogs of Addison, dropping the sets by scores of 25-11, 25-13 and 25-20.
“These girls fought until the very end but came up just short,” said a post on the program’s Facebook page after the defeat. “While it’s never easy to see a season end, there is still SO much to be proud of! This team has given us plenty of reasons to celebrate, and we couldn’t be prouder of the fight, heart, and dedication they’ve shown all season long!”
Belgreen finished its campaign with a Franklin County Tournament title, an area title and a final 21-21 record.
Red Bay, which finished runner-up to Belgreen in the Area 14 tournament, drew an even tougher sub-region opponent in No. 1-ranked Meek—and had to play MHS on the road in Arley, at that.
The Lady Tigers of Red Bay were defeated 3-0 by the hosting Lady Tigers of Meek, falling 25-8, 25-10, and 25-8 to end their season with a final 11-16 record under first-year head coach Jade Hallmark.
Moving up to Class 2A, the Tharptown Lady Wildcats, who finished runner-up to No. 9 Lexington in Area 13, fell victim on the road at J.B. Pennington in Blountsville.
Tharptown, swept 3-0 by the Lady Tigers, dropped the sets 25-13, 25-22 (after taking an early set advantage), and 25-20. The Lady Wildcats ended 2026 with a 10-18 record.
Russellville was the fourth county squad to be eliminated Monday evening. Traveling to the champion of Class 5A Area 14, East Limestone, the Area 13 runner-up was also beaten in straight sets, 25-12, 25-17 and 25-23.
In defeat, the Lady Golden Tigers were led by 13 kills and 23 digs from Blevyn Sappington, 19 assists from Alexia Groce, and four blocks by Bella Malone.
“Through adversity, injuries, and challenges all season long, these girls continued to fight and push forward,” a post on the team’s Facebook page said. “This season tested us in so many ways, but I’m proud of how we continued to battle together.”
Russellville ended its campaign with a final record of 22-24.