Today’s rivalry match between Andalusia and Straughn’s varsity volleyball teams is one that shouldn’t be missed.

Both teams are undefeated in Class 4A, Area 3 play, and tonight’s game will decide who will likely host the area tournament in October, where the race gets heated.

The Lady Bulldogs are currently sitting at 5-4 overall, and 1-0 in their area, while the Lady Tigers are 6-2 overall, and 3-0 in area play.

Straughn beat Headland twice, and Ashford once. This will be the first time the Lady Tigers will face the Lady Bulldogs this season.

Andalusia, on the other hand, earned its first area win over Ashford, where they won in four games, 3-1. Straughn had a shutout over Headland and Ashford.

Going into the match tonight, both teams have the necessary tools to win — offensively and defensively.

Let’s start with Andalusia, shall we?

Andalusia’s A.C. Riley leads the Lady Bulldogs in assists, and will play a vital role in her team’s success tonight. Riley posted 40 assists total against RLS and HHS last week.

In the front middle position, Andalusia’s Megan Pugh and Shi’Amber Townsend will provide the necessary blocks and coverage needed to counteract the hitting power that is Straughn’s Kaitlynn Wiggins and Brooke Harris at the sides.

In the back, Ellie Pollock and Erica Staley will try and help “dig” their team out of any holes.

Straughn, on the other hand, will use its height at the front in Paige Caraway on defense, and setter Holley McGlaun will provide opportunities for Wiggins, Harris and Katie Beck to kill the ball over the net.

At the back for the Lady Tigers, Beck and Megan Johns stand at the ready, waiting for the powerful serves Andalusia will throw at them.

Tuesday night’s tri-match in Opp gave a good gauge for Straughn this week. Andalusia’s last match was the tri-match against RLS and HHS last Thursday. So, it’s been a long week of preparation for the Lady Bulldogs.

At the Opp tri-match, the Lady Tigers split with the Lady Bobcats and Elba.

I’ve been looking forward to this match up tonight for some time, and I’m sure there will be a big crowd at Andalusia.

As to who is going to win, it’s clear that whomever plays better on defense will have the upper hand and control the momentum of the match.

With that said, tonight’s match will begin at 4 p.m. with the junior high teams. Junior varsity will follow, and varsity will provide the night cap.

This is a golden opportunity for both teams to take control of the area.

As to who will win?

Only God knows the answer to that question.