By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

The Morgan Academy Senators brought together teams from across the state to help kick off volleyball season.

The Senators hosted the Elite 8 volleyball tournament Saturday on their campus.

Morgan Academy volleyball coach Jennifer Moore said the tournament, as a whole, went well.

“The tournament went pretty well,” Moore said. “Everything was good.”

Other teams who participated in the double-elimination tournament were Prattville Christian Academy, Lee-Scott Academy, Clark Prep School, Sumter Academy, Escambia Academy, Edgewood Academy and Crenshaw Christian Academy.

Morgan Academy began the tournament Saturday morning against Clark Prep.

The Senators were able to capture one game, but ultimately fell 2-1.

Morgan Smith and Laigan Godwin both had four kills to lead the Senators, while Godwin and Lauren Yeldell both had two aces on serves.

Yeldell also led the Senators with 16 assists. The Senators faced eventual champion Prattville Christian in their second game and lost 2-0, eliminating them from the tournament.

Prattville Christian defeated Lee-Scott Academy 2-1.

Moore said her team has suffered some tough losses, but is improving with each game.

“We’re focusing on the positives like the fact that we’re getting better every time we play,” Moore said. “We’re losing close games, but we’re improving each time we play.”

Moore also said the Senators are still learning to play together.

“We’re still young,” Moore said. “We’re still working on just getting game experience and learning to work together on the court.

“We played well today, but just couldn’t get on top in the games. We would dig a hole in the beginning and then could never climb out of it.”

The Senators season continues Monday when they hit the road to play Clark Prep School at 4 p.m. in Grove Hill.