For the second straight year, the boys varsity volleyball team from Seminole Ridge High School had a winning season, earned a high ranking, won its district tournament and captured the regional title. That regional title earned the Hawks a berth in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A state finals at the Winter Haven Health Center.
In the Hawks’ state semifinal match on Friday, May 16, they played Southwest Miami High School. While the Hawks lost that match, their comeback from two sets down was impressive and exciting. After losing the first two sets, 25-16 and 25-16, Seminole Ridge head coach Scott Barnwell reminded his team of their true talent and ability. After Barnwell’s encouraging message, the Hawks bounced back by winning the next two sets, 25-22 and 25-16.
With the match tied at two sets each, the match hinged on the fifth and final set to 15. The winner would advance to the following day’s Class 3A state championship final against Winter Park High School. Southwest rallied to win the final set, 15-10. In Winter Haven, the Hawks were led by senior Stephen Barnes with 15 kills, sophomore Pierce Giebenrath with 12 digs and freshman Evan Holowecky with three serving aces.
To reach the state finals, the Hawks won three straight regional games — a 25-15, 25-20, 25-20 regional quarterfinal victory against Jupiter High School on May 6; a 25-16, 25-15, 25-8 regional semifinal victory over Palm Beach Central High School on May 9; and a 25-21, 20-25, 25-19, 25-8 regional final victory against Boca Raton High School on May 13.
Seminole Ridge’s statistical leaders this past season included Barnes, who led with kills per set (3.9), serving aces (74) and kills (388). Carson Kramer was the team’s leader in total blocks (61) and hitting percentage (.465). Giebenrath was the leader in digs (369), digs per set (4.1) and receptions (469), while Holowecky had a team-high total in assists (983).
Going into the game against Southwest, Seminole Ridge had won 10 out of its previous 11 matches. Seminole Ridge completed its season with a 23-7 record.
The Seminole Ridge boys varsity volleyball program has won one FHSAA state championship. That was back in 2011.
