For the first time since 1998, the girls volleyball team punched their ticket to the regional semifinals after defeating TERRA Environmental High School in four sets on Wednesday night.
Despite dropping the first set 13-25, the Lady Patriots came together to take the second set 25-23, third set 25-20 and fourth set 25-13 to seal the win.
“I have to say I am so proud of the team,” Coach Lisa Moreau said. “Our opponent really came to win, and they played hard. Our team came out sluggish in the first set and it hurt us. We lost the first set and gave TERRA confidence and momentum. But our girls pushed themselves and fought back to win the next three sets and take the victory.”
Junior Yakira Wardlaw led the way for the team, finishing with 17 kills, 13 digs and three service aces. Senior Isa Calle had 11 kills and nine digs while freshman Katie Denning provided 12 kills and eight digs of her own. Senior Lidya Sezer and sophomore Bella Diaz contributed with five stuff blocks each to set the tone for the front row defense. Freshman Noelle Crichton also added in 31 set assists and three service aces.
With the comeback win behind them, Coach Moreau and her squad will look to carry their momentum into the regional semifinals Tuesday, Oct. 29 when they travel to take on Barron Collier for a chance at the regional finals.
“I believe our team can win, but we are also up against the number one seeded team in our region, Barron Collier, so it’s going to be a tough match,” Coach Moreau said. “They trounced their opponent in their regional quarterfinal match, so we will have our hands full. If our girls come out strong from the start and really fight for every point, we have a serious chance at taking down the number one seed; we are going to have to play our best match yet.”
