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Escambia Academy lost 3-2 to North River in the first round of the AISA Class 1A Elite Eight Tournament on Monday.

The Lady Cougars fell 29-24, 24-26, 20-25, 25-19, 7-15.

“These girls worked hard, and played hard,” EA volleyball coach Larry Bonds said. “We had to play a good North River. Our girls battled with them.”

Bonds added that their game was the last being played on the court as all the others went 3-0.

Bonds said Lillie Lanham, the team’s only senior, did well for the Lady Cougars.

In earlier action last week, the Lady Cougars beat Jackson Academy 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-18) in the consolation game to decide third and fourth place, and fell 3-0 (16-25, 24-26, 20-25) to Crenshaw Christian in the regional tournament semifinals.

Against Jackson, L. Lanham had five kills; and Caitlin Lanham had four kills to lead the Lady Cougars.

Tiffany Gookin had two aces and six kills; and KayLeigh Jay had six kills in the loss to Crenshaw Christian.

Gookin and L. Lanham were selected to the All-Tournament team.