BY GENE NARDI
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Wellington High School girls varsity volleyball team hosted Spanish River High School in a regional quarterfinals match and fell just short against the Sharks (25-15, 23-25, 19-25, 25-14 and 12-15).
The Lady Wolverines (17-11) were the second seed in District 9-8A, and edged the No. 1 seed Jupiter for the district crown, earning home turf advantage against the rival Sharks. The teams split victories earlier in the season, but Wellington could not muster enough to pull out the regional quarterfinal win, which ended its post-season run.
The first set began even, as both teams battled for momentum, tied at three. Emaly Matari served in a five-point run, giving the Wolverines an 8-3 advantage. The Sharks tried to push back, but Wellington eventually jumped out to a 19-7 lead. Solid play by outside hitter Bailey Williams helped win the first set toward the end 25-15.
Even though the Wolverines jumped out to an early 6-2 lead in the second set, Spanish River would punch back, winning the second and third sets 25-23 and 25-19. Wellington led nearly the entire second set until the Sharks tied it at 17. The Wolverines were pressed against the wall, knowing they needed to win the fourth set to take it to the fifth.
They appeared to be on their way, taking the lead in the fourth set. At one point Wellington had a 16-6 advantage, but the relentless Sharks fought back. The Wolverines had just enough to pull out the 25-14 win to take the match into the fifth set.
The last set was action-packed. Spanish River drew first blood, but the Wolverines were clawing at their heels. Wellington managed to tie it at seven but could not take the lead. The Sharks were up 13-12, and eventually put the set in the bag, taking it 15-12, and advanced to the semifinal match.
The loss ended the Wolverines’ postseason play, bringing their season record in at 17-11, but in the process, they managed to take home the district championship.
Notable Wolverine performances were: Emaly Matari had 14 points, four aces and four digs; Bailey Williams is credited with 17 kills and 17 digs; Lilijana Henderson and Alyssa Ramos combined for 19 kills; Rebecca Martinez recorded 19 digs; and Lauren Toler totaled 10 points, 15 digs and two aces.
ABOVE: Wellington celebrates the winning point in the fourth set.
