Seacrest to play for 1A state title after cruising past St. Edward's

The Stingrays have grown accustomed to playing for state championships, and, once again, they are back with a chance to add to the program's impressive legacy.

Seacrest Country Day downed St. Edward's in straight sets, 25-20, 25-17, 25-15, in their Class 1A semifinal match in Winter Haven on Monday, Nov. 2. The Stingrays will play the winner of Christs Church Academy and Boca Raton Christian for a chance at their fifth title in the last six seasons on Wednesday.

Seacrest's energy was palpable early as the team built an early 12-7 lead behind some kills from sophomore Sophia Baron getting the team going.

The Pirates were able to fight their way back into the first set, tying things up at 16-all.

The Stingrays responded, winning nine of the last 13 points to secure the set lead.

The advantage gave Seacrest an added comfort level as Baron and fellow sophomores Sophie Fong and Maria Gorlatova knocked down shots for kills set up by freshman Alexa Hicks, who led the team with 24 assists.

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The team's net protection was also sublime with the team posting six blocks, including three from senior Reese Milner.

In both the second and third sets, the Stingrays were able to create separation from the Pirates midway through and stay composed to close it out.

Gorlatova posted eight kills and five digs, Fong recorded six kills and seven digs, and Baron produced six kills and a team-high 11 digs.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Seacrest to play for 1A state title after cruising past St. Edward's

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