Class 6A
Land O’ Lakes (24-7) at New Smyrna Beach (23-2), 7 tonight
How they got here: Land O’ Lakes d. Fort Myers 3-2, d. Bloomingdale 3-0, d. Mitchell 3-0; New Smyrna Beach d. Niceville 3-0, d. Ponte Vedra 3-0, d. Gulf Breeze 3-1.
Up next: The winner faces the Viera-Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas winner in the championship match on Nov. 11
Stat leaders
| Category | Land O’ Lakes | New Smyrna Beach |
| Kills | Bella Horruitiner, 275 | Jalynn Brown, 290 |
| Blocks | Carissa Mixon, 125 | Hannah Zona, 44 |
| Aces | Sydney Rolfe, 74 | Jalynn Brown, 34 |
| Digs | Sydney Rolfe, 339 | Ivy Westfall, 341 |
| Assists | Vanessa Campoe, 489 | Alyssa Kornegay, 798 |
Outlook
The Gators were supposed to be in rebuilding mode after graduating six key contributors that helped set the school record for wins last season.
They struggled at the start of the season, losing the first two matches and going through a stretch where they lost three of four matches in September.
Since then, Land O’ Lakes has come together, winning 13 of its past 14 matches, including eight straight heading into tonight’s final.
In the district tournament, the Gators, seeded third, beat Sunlake and Mitchell to win their first title in 33 years.
Earlier this week, Land O’ Lakes swept the rival Mustangs in the region final to reach the state semifinals for the first time since 1987.
To make the final, the Gators will have to keep its recent streak going against a quality opponent.
New Smyrna Beach, ranked No, 1 in the class and No. 3 overall in the state by MaxPreps, has won 16 straight matches.
