The Goshen Eagles claimed the Class 2A Region 4 Area Championship on Monday afternoon by sweeping both Elba and Zion Chapel.

The scores were 25-9, 25-13, 25-4 25-18 and 25-21, 25-19.

Head coach Amy Warrick’s goal was to get her young volleyball back winning another area championship. “I am very excited for this team,” Warrick said. “I really proud of them. They have played really good volleyball late in the season. I guess that is what you hope for.”

After loosing Kati Thomas, Lexi Ellisor and Casey Allen, the Eagles entered the year with a lot of question marks.

“They had potential all year,” Warrick said. “They just didn’t focus and do what they could.”

In the first match against Elba, the Eagles swept their way through the Tigers guaranteeing a spot in this weekend’s regional tournament in Montgomery.

To win the championship they had to get by Zion Chapel. After winning set one 25-18, the Eagles faced their toughest challenge in set two when they fell behind 11-3. The Eagles rattled off seven straight points to pull within 11-10. After the match continued to go back and forth, the Eagles finally caught and took the lead at 21-20 and secured the win.

“They have grow up maturity wise,” Warrick said. “They don’t get nearly as rattled they kind of just calm down. They don’t panic anymore. Usually when they give up those runs it would be too late.”

Selena Ellis led the Eagles in aces and assists with six and 39. Hannah Calhoun led the way in points and digs with 39 and 23. Kelsey Gibson had four blocks.

With the win the Eagles will now play at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Multiplex in Montgomery.

“We are going to keep doing what we are doing,” Warrick said. “Everyday our practice schedule includes working on skills and defense. We have been hammering defense and we will work on serves. I am extremely proud of this win though.”