WINTER HAVEN โ Winterhead beach volleyball coach Dylan Secrest knew Satellite would be a tough team to take into account.
After all, this year's satellite is the No. 31 ranked beach volleyball program in the state. But the Yellow Jackets, the No. 23 team in the nation this year, beat them last year en route to state. And the same thing happened this year in two Class 1A play-in games at Polk State on Wednesday, with Winter Haven defeating Satellite his 3-1.
“We felt good, dude. We felt in control,” Secrest said. “I told the girls at the beginning of the day, 'I felt confident today.' I just didn't have the energy to be nervous. I usually get a little nauseous before a game. I didn't have that today. . It's fun to be back in the states.”
District Champion:'Girls' pride': Winter Haven wins district beach volleyball title for second year in a row
To return to state, Winter Haven's No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 seeds won 2-0, while the No. 1 seed tied at 1-1.
“They knew about us. I wasn't scouting them,” Secrest said. “I think it's more about what we do. … I liked this matchup. I knew it was going to be really tough, but…”
Secrest has been to many big beach volleyball matches. Last Tuesday, Winter Haven won another district title and on Monday faced Viera in Class 1A play-in 1, winning 3-2.
The next day, Winter Haven had a solid practice before competing in its second play-in game, which of course paid off.
As part of this solid practice, fifth-seeded senior Jaydan Adams and sophomore Morgan Giles also participated. If this group wins, Winter Haven will head to the northern states for the second year in a row.
Adams said the short ball was working well.
“It feels really good. I was proud to be able to help the team. I love each and every one of these girls.”
Giles said he was ecstatic.
“I'm very happy to win. It was a good match,” she said.
Winter Haven (14-0) will travel to Tallahassee for state next Thursday.