BIRMINGHAM – For the second straight year, the Spring Garden Lady Panthers have advanced to the state volleyball Final Four.

Middle hitter Suzie Carter posted nine kills and five blocks to lead the Lady Panthers to a sweep of Ariton Tuesday in the Class 2A Elite 8 at the Birmingham CrossPlex. The scores were 25-10, 25-22, 25-20.

Spring Garden (35-9) advances to face Addison (35-16) at 5 p.m. in the state semifinals. Addison defeated Horseshoe Bend in other Class 2A quarterfinal action Tuesday morning.

Outside hitter Lexie Adkison added seven kills for the Lady Panthers. Outside hitters Haleigh Molock and Neely Welsh both had six kills. Setter Abbey Steward collected 29 assists and three aces.

Outside hitter Sarah Snyder led Ariton (22-9) with seven kills, four digs and two aces. Middle hitter Kaydee Phillips added five kills, two blocks and two digs. Setter Caroline Hughes finished with 20 assists, a kill, a block and an ace.