And then there were four.
Oxbridge Academy will play Tampa-Berkeley Prep in a Class 4A regional championship match on Tuesday. The ThunderWolves are 16-7. (Photo by Brianna Soukup)
Eight Palm Beach County girls volleyball teams played in the regional semifinals round, with four – Jupiter, Lake Worth Christian, Oxbridge Academy and Boca Raton Christian – moving on to Tuesday’s regional finals.
The Warriors and Blazers both advanced to the regional championship round last season, and both made it to the state tournament. Will they repeat that accomplishment? Will the ThunderWolves win their first-ever regional championship in girls volleyball? Tune in Tuesday.
In the meantime, we’ll preview those contests below. All matches are Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Class 8A
Jupiter (22-7) at Weston-Cypress Bay (20-6): The Warriors are back in the regional finals for the third straight year, and face a familiar opponent in the Lightning. Jupiter beat Cypress Bay last season en route to the state finals. The Warriors graduated nine seniors from that team, and coach Blane Betz expected some challenges this season as a result. But Jupiter’s underclassmen have stepped up. In the Warriors’ four-set win over Spanish River Saturday, junior Maggie Weeks had nine kills and 12 digs, and sophomore Kayla Woods added 18 service points, 16 assists and eight digs. Junior Jaeden Brown, junior Julia Lindley and sophomore Morgan Tripp also have played big roles this season.
Prediction: Jupiter in five sets
Class 4A
Oxbridge Academy (16-7) at Tampa-Berkeley Prep (19-9): The ThunderWolves continue to make history this season after winning their first district championship two weeks ago. Oxbridge won its first-ever regional match on Wednesday, and followed with its second regional win Saturday in a five-set decision over King’s Academy. Outside hitters Riley Nieporte and Addy Aitken are leading the way for the ThunderWolves, but the Buccaneers will be a big test on the road. Berkeley Prep has won its last six matches, including a five-set win over Fort Myers-Bishop Verot on Saturday.
Prediction: Berkeley Prep in five sets
Class 2A
Lake Worth Christian (25-4) at Naples-Seacrest Country Day (24-4): The Defenders are coming off a huge win on the road against Merritt Island Christian in the regional semifinals, and face another tough road opponent in the Stingrays. Seacrest Country Day, a state semifinalist last season, has won 12 of its past 13 matches. But the Defenders also are on a roll, winning 20 of their past 21. Freshman middle blocker/setter Madelyne Anderson and senior libero Emily Lampman have been standouts for Lake Worth Christian during the post-season.
Prediction: Lake Worth Christian in five sets
Doral-Divine Savior Academy (16-3) at Boca Raton Christian (17-9): The Blazers defeated the Sharks in the regional finals last season on the way to earning a state playoff berth, and hope to continue that momentum Tuesday. Divine Savior has played well of late, winning its past five matches. But the Sharks were taken to the limit by Miami-Westminster Christian in the regional finals, while Boca Raton Christian had an easier time with Hollywood-Sheridan Hills Christian. Hannah Berry and Lindsey Rhoden came up big for the Blazers against Sheridan Hills, combining for 23 kills and 40 digs.
Prediction: Boca Raton Christian in four sets
