Blalock Memorial host Homewood looks to area, state tourneys

Homewood High served as host for the 27th annual Margaret Blalock Memorial Volleyball Tournament in October.

Twenty teams participated in the prestigious tournament, which benefits the Breast Cancer Foundation of Alabama. A dollar from each ticket sold went to the foundation. Teams wore pink in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Homewood advanced from pool play into the Silver Bracket, where the Lady Patriots lost to Sparkman in the quarterfinals. 

Mountain Brook defeated Arab in the final 25-15, 25-22. Arab reached the final by knocking off McGill-Toolen in the semifinals. Arab, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A at the time, entered the tournament 31-0. 

It was the second straight Blalock title for Mountain Brook (49-5), which is also the defending Class 7A  champion.

Homewood swept region play during the season and was set to host the Class 6A, Area 9 Tournament next on Oct. 20. Briarwood Christian and Woodlawn are also in the area field. The top two teams advance to the Super Regional to be held Oct. 24 in Huntsville. The state tournament is Oct. 28-29 at CrossPlex in Birmingham.