Volleyball State semifinals
All matches at Polk State College’s Winter Haven Health Center. Admission is $17 via GoFan (a $3 parking fee is included in the price of admission).
Class 4A
Academy of the Holy Names (18-11) vs. Miami Gulliver Prep (27-3), 1 today
How they got here: Academy of the Holy Names d. Hudson 3-0, d. Robinson 3-0, d. Estero 3-0. Gulliver Prep d. LaSalle 3-0, d. Calvary Christian Academy 3-0, d. Pine Crest 3-1.
Stat leaders
| Category | Academy of the Holy Names | Gulliver Prep |
| Kills | Sophia Puleo, 290 | Jackie Taylor, 365 |
| Blocks | Heidi Crouse, 55 | Jackie Taylor, 94 |
| Aces | Avery Wehling, 35 | Hailey Brenner, 62 |
| Digs | Rafaela Rodriguez, 294 | Sophia Wong, 308 |
| Assists | Caroline Arnold, 667 | Maya Pace, 692 |
Outlook
Despite losing key starters, whether via transfer or through graduation, the Jaguars have made it back to a familiar spot. They are playing in the state semifinals for the fifth straight season and are trying to reach the championship match in consecutive seasons.
Playing a tough schedule prepared Academy of the Holy Names for this stretch run. At one point, the Jaguars were .500 (11-11) on the season before winning seven straight matches heading into today’s semifinal. They have been dominant, sweeping every match in this late season surge.
But Academy of the Holy Names also has not been tested in more than a month.
The Raiders have gone through a remarkable transformation. Four years ago, they were 1-14. Now, Gulliver Prep, ranked first in the class and seventh overall in the state, is playing in the state semifinals for the second straight season.
