By: Ross Van De Griek
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla.- The Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (17-5) played their first home regional volleyball playoff game in school history on Wednesday night, as they hosted the Manatee Hurricanes (15-14). Tonight's win was also the first playoff win in school history for Wiregrass Ranch, after last making an appearance in 2013 which resulted in a quarterfinal loss to Durant.
In the opening set, Wiregrass Ranch looked to be in complete cruise control, as they started the match scoring nine of the first 13 points. Wiregrass Ranch's Emily Morris had a couple of early aces that set the tone for the host Bulls. Manatee crept in to make things a little interesting at 13-6, following a kill from junior Marisa Armer. Wiregrass Ranch responded with a 6-0 run to make it 19-6, that all started on a key block by junior Zoi Evans. Wiregrass Ranch would score six of the next nine points & take the opening set, 25-9.
The second set started with a little chess match, as through the first ten points, the match was tied three times (1-1, 2-2 & 5-5). Manatee would not trail the rest of the second set, as largest lead of the set was at seven points (15-8 & 18-11). Manatee's Marisa Armer didn't seem fazed at all, after she had a couple of key kills in the second set that sparked the Hurricanes into the match. However, Wiregrass Ranch would provide a little rally to make things 18-14 Manatee on a couple of unforced errors. Manatee would take the second set, 25-19 & tie the match at a set a piece.
Wiregrass Ranch would add a promising start to the third set, as they scored six of the first ten points, featuring key kills from junior Zoi Evans & an ace by sophomore setter Kayla Baer. Wiregrass Ranch would go on a 5-2 run & take an 11-6 lead. Both Manatee & Wiregrass Ranch would trade the next six points, as Wiregrass Ranch took a 14-9 lead on a couple of Manatee mistakes. However, Wiregrass Ranch did not trail the rest of the third set, as they would take a commanding 2-1 lead with a 25-23 set win.
The fourth set, Wiregrass Ranch started with the first three points that came featuring two of Zoi Evans' 14 kills on the night. After the first ten points, Wiregrass Ranch led 6-4 & were clicking on all cylinders tonight. Manatee would score two of the next three points to cut their deficit to 7-6. The host Bulls however would not trail the entire set, although it was tied a couple times at 13-13 & 14-14. Wiregrass Ranch scored five of the next six points & led 19-15. Wiregrass Ranch would hold on & take the set, 25-20 & the match, 3-1.
Wiregrass Ranch will host top-seeded Venice in next Tuesday's regional semifinals, while Manatee finishes their season 15-14.