Stanhope Elmore rallied from an early deficit to defeat Wetumpka 3-1 on Wednesday, capturing the Area 5 championship after a hard-fought four-set battle between the two programs.

Wetumpka opened the match with a 25-20 victory in the first set, using powerful serves from Abigail White and well-placed attacks from Sawyer Martin to keep Stanhope Elmore on its heels. The teams traded points throughout the set, with neither side willing to surrender momentum. Promise Cottrell helped keep the Mustangs within striking distance with a series of aggressive spikes, but Wetumpka ultimately closed out the opening set.