Ashford, Ala. — The Charles Henderson Lady Trojans came alive in the third set of their area tournament match against Headland, but it was too little, too late.

Charles Henderson fell in straight sets to the Lady Rams 25-12, 25-15 and 25-22. The loss ends the season for the Trojans, one win short of reaching the Super Regional round in Montgomery.

Charles Henderson head coach Jennifer Sikes said Headland got off to a fast start in each of the first two matches of the day, and the momentum of the game was eerily similar to a regular-season battle between the two teams.

“I give the fist set up to jitters, because the girls knew that this match was the one that really counts,” Sikes said. “They got ahead early in the first two, and we could never get on rhythm. The third set was much better, and played some of the best ball we have played all year, but couldn’t pull it out.”

The 2013 season was a rebuilding year for the Lady Trojans, after graduating eight seniors off of last year’s area-champion squad.

Sikes, disappointed with the lackluster season of 2013, feels the future is bright for Charles Henderson, possibly as soon as next season.

“I lose only one starter off this team for next season,” Sikes said. “I am super excited about getting these girls back in the gym soon, and in the weight room. We will be much improved next year. This year wasn’t the year we wanted or expected, but we have to learn from it and get better.”