After guaranteeing a return to the state tournament in its first match of the day — a 2-0 sweep over Haralson County — Cartersville lost to the host Lady Buccaneers in three sets before defeating Central-Carroll in two sets to set up a rematch between the rivals for the area tournament championship.
Allatoona, which is No. 10 in the state coaches’ poll, won three straight sets in the best-of-five championship to sweep the Lady Canes and claim another area title.
First-year Cartersville coach Camille Spradley said her team would have liked to have beaten one of its biggest rivals.
“We feel good about our second-place finish,” Spradley said. “Of course, they’re disappointed because they didn’t beat Allatoona, which is our biggest opponent in the region.”
The Lady Canes coach said the Lady Bucs’ offensive attack was so fast and her team was a bit late setting up its blocks.
As for her team’s offensive performance, Spradley said, “Our attacks looked good all daylong.”
She said playing a team like Allatoona will help Cartersville in preparation of its first-round match Wednesday at the Storm Center.
“It helps the girls realize … that we have to be loaded and ready all daylong,” Spradley said.
The Lady Canes do not yet know who they will play, but the team will be the third seed out of Area 7.