After a surprise turnaround at the AISA East Region Tournament, the Escambia Academy Lady Cougars continued their run of domination by finishing the state tournament in second place losing to Clarke Prep in the state championship match.

The Lady Cougars met Clarke Prep for the second time in less than a week as they also lost to the Lady Gators in the championship match of the region tournament.

The Lady Cougars played a competitive match with the Lady Gators losing the first match 25-17, but bouncing back in the second match to win 28-26.

The final two matches were the toughest for the Lady Cougars as they fell 25-18.

Lady Cougars head coach Chad Weaver said he was proud of the way his team played at state.

“I’m so proud of our team,” Weaver said. “Our seniors dominated and there is no shame in finshing second in state. They did a wonderful job.”

In getting to the championship match, the Lady Cougars defeated No. 2-seeded Edgewood. The Lady Cougars lost the first game 25-6, but bounced back to win the second and third games 25-19 and 25-18.

Edgewood came back in the fourth game to win 25-16, but the Lady Cougars would claw for a victory in the fifth game.

Down 7-1 at one point, EA fought back to win 15-11 to advance to the finals.

Weaver said he was pleased with the crowd on hand to his team.

“We appreciate the parents, friends and relatives that supported us,” he said. “We are so thankful they came out for the girls.”