WINTER HAVEN — It's just perfect.
In one of the best state finals in FHSAA boys volleyball history at Polk State University on Saturday night, undefeated Winter Park dramatically defeated defending champion Miami Southwest in five sets to take the championship. Ta.
It was the second championship in program history for Winter Park (30-0), which won its first championship two years ago.
“We've been through everything,” Wildcats coach Jesse Day said. “There's nothing we haven't seen all season. We haven't been in that situation, but they've still been on top and that speaks to the resilience of this group. ”
Winter Park won the first two sets 25-18 and 25-18, but the Southwest team (24-8) came back to win the third set 25-20 and the fourth set 25-14 to take the match. was extended to a short final set.
Southwest led 14-12 and was one point away from completing the comeback, but Winter Park scored the next four points to win the rubber match 16-14.
“Being undefeated is a statement,” Day said. “This is different. I thought I couldn't give up on this group because this group never gives up.”
Tristan Gitton, a 6-foot-6 junior, led Winter Park with 19 kills and 11 digs. Mason Barbary, a 6-3 junior, added 10 kills and 13 digs.
“I realized in the third set that I could win, but I got scared and ran away,” said Winter Park junior setter Jacob Littlephillips. “My back was against the wall in the fifth set and I only had one option and that was to fight and swing and win. Wow. It's the perfect season.”
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semifinal
Winter Park defeated Orlando area rival Lake Howell in a difficult match (30-2) in the morning semifinals by scores of 31-29, 25-22, 23-25, 25-13 to advance to the finals. decided.
Barbary had 20 kills and 11 digs in the win, while Guiton had 19 kills.
After trailing 22-19, Winter Park rallied to take the first set. After tying the score at 19-19 in the second set, Winter Park picked up another victory. Lake Howell came back from an eight-point deficit in the third set and stayed in the match.
“We're definitely being tested after the last two days of games,” Day said.
The Silver Hawks were led by Tyler Wint, who had 21 kills and 14 digs.
“We knew what we had to do,” Lake Howell coach Scott Lehman said. “Sadly, I did get a little high when we did it. The calls weren't great, but I don't blame them for that.”
Both of Lake Howell's losses were against Winter Park.
Winter Park, Lake Howell, Celebration Heading to FHSAA Boys Volleyball State Tournament
Buddy Collings, Varsity Content Editor, can be reached by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com.
