Volleyball: State semifinal breakdown – Nov. 13

Class 7A

2021 FHSAA Volleyball State Championships 7A FHSAA Girls Volleyball

The area matchup

Doral Academy (21-8) at Plant (24-5), 2

The Panthers, ranked No. 1 in the class by MaxPreps, are in the state semifinals for the fourth straight season and the sixth time in the past seven seasons. They are trying to reach the final for the first time since 2018 and win their first state championship since 2010. Since losing a five-set thriller to rival Steinbrenner in the district final, Plant has been dominant, losing just one set in each of its three playoff wins. The team has depth and is healthy, both key factors in its late season run under first-year coach Sarah Reiss. Doral Academy is making its first state semifinal appearance. The Firebirds enter on a seven-match win streak.

Stat leaders

CategoryDoral AcademyPlant
KillsIzabela Molina, 264Lily Frierson, 257
BlocksAriel Simmons, 63Mackenzie Nichols, 48
AcesMelissa Gonzalez, 80Maggie Dostic, 54
DigsVictoria Escuer, 383Sophia Kotsovolos, 475
AssistsMelissa Gonzalez, 522Jennifer Rayburn, 686

Class 4A

2021 FHSAA Volleyball State Championships 4A FHSAA Girls Volleyball

The area matchup

Academy of the Holy Names (21-8) at Alachua Santa Fe (27-3), 2

The Jaguars, ranked No. 4 in the class by MaxPreps, are in the state semifinals for the third straight season. They are trying to reach the state championship match for the first time since 1997. After dealing with some injuries, Academy of the Holy Names is healthy at the right time. Kinsley Warbritton, one of the team’s top hitters, returned for the postseason and has added even more more firepower to an already potent attack. That depth is a big reason the Jaguars enter on a seven-match win streak. To end a nearly three-decade title match drought, Academy of the Holy Names has to get past a formidable opponent. Santa Fe is ranked No. 1 in the class, No. 2 overall in the state and No. 4 nationally by MaxPreps. The Raiders are in the state semifinals for the third time in the past four seasons and are trying to reach the title match for the first time since 2018.

Stat leaders

CategoryAcademy of the Holy NamesAlachua Santa Fe
KillsMichaela Clayton, 241Rylie Tam, 359
BlocksHeidi Crouse, 49Joselynn Sanjuro, 42
AcesLauren D’Onofrio, 39Faith Marquis, 50
DigsLauren D’Onofrio, 414Miya Thomas, 389
AssistsCaroline Arnold, 348Anisa Dorlouis, 376

Class 3A

2021 FHSAA Volleyball State Championships 3A FHSAA Girls Volleyball

The area matchup

Ocala Trinity Catholic (24-4) at Calvary Christian (26-4), 2

The Warriors, ranked No. 4 in the class by MaxPreps, are in the state semifinals for the first time. They earned the trip, defeating Clearwater Central Catholic (3-1), Bishop McLaughlin (3-1) and Tampa Prep (3-0) in their three previous postseason matches. Noelle Walsh, a senior outside hitter, was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association/MaxPreps player of the week for matches played from Nov. 1-7. It was the second time a Calvary Christian player had won the award this season. Taylor Parks, a sophomore setter, took player of the week honors last month. The Celtics, ranked No. 3 in the class, are in the state semifinals for the fourth straight season and are trying to win their third title in that span. Last season, Trinity Catholic beat Bishop McLaughlin in the state semifinals en route to its second title.

Stat leaders

CategoryOcala Trinity CatholicCalvary Christian
KillsKiana Labrode, 338Noelle Walsh, 316
BlocksAariana Gravel-Holtzclaw, 57Morgen Talley, 58
AcesCayleigh Pelletier, 37Taylor Parks, 37
DigsMckenna Yates, 494Ava Bronin, 398
AssistsCayleigh Pelletier, 494Taylor Parks, 975