By Lance R. Taylor

For the News Courier

The Athens Bible School Lady Trojan volleyball team capped off the 2009 season Thursday by claiming the AHSAA Class 1A State Championship trophy after defeating Providence Christian (37-9) in the state finals 25-23, 25-16, 23-25, 25-23.

On the road to the championship, the Lady Trojans (36-12) defeated No. 1 Parkway Christian (44-3) and Gaston (40-10).  The Lady Trojans faced these teams earlier in the season and lost to both

“We came in yesterday playing the No. 1 team, Parkway Christian, with a 44-3 record and the girls acted like it didn’t matter,” Coach April Davis said. We just went out to win. We had a 0-for record against everybody we were playing and we pulled through.”

ABS students surrounded the court chanting and cheering throughout the match, with the Pelham Civic Center stands filled with parents, alumni, teachers, administrators and family decked out in green and gold. During timeouts, the students came together cheering “It’s great to be a Mighty Trojan

“We wouldn’t have been here if it hadn’t been for our fans,” Davis said. “They got us through Sub-State, they got us here, and they got us this trophy today.”

Providence Christian rallied to win game three and was ahead late in game four, looking to push the match to a fifth game. But the Lady Trojans would have none of that.

“I could not be more proud of the girls,” Davis said. “They didn’t give up. We were down 21-23 in that last game and I’ve had teams that would’ve quit right then and we didn’t quit, period.”

In 1989, Davis won the state championship as a player at ABS.

“I thought winning it as a player was nice, but this nicer,” she said. “After winning it as a player, I know how it feels, and that’s what I want for the girls.

“It’s not about coaching. I didn’t do anything today. I just encouraged them and clapped for them. It was out of my hands and they pushed each other and they were positive. I’m just happy for them and happy to bring this trophy home to Athens.”

The Lady Trojans had three players selected to the all-tournament team: Athena Hinkle (1 kill, 42 assists), Makayla Melvin (23 kills, 4 digs, 4 aces), and E.A. Shaver (22 kills, 1 block, 2 aces). Shaver was named most valuable player of the tournament.