“I told them before that fifth set to settle down and regain their focus because they lost their focus after those first two sets,” Palmer coach William Gonzalez said. “I reminded them of the recent tradition, including two trips to state, that Palmer volleyball has achieved and to play the way they know how and they responded.”

BILL DALEY

•  Region 4-3A Quarterfinal — Westminster Christian d. Doctors Carter 25-11, 25-22, 25-7: Behind offense and defense, Westminster Christian cruised in straight sets against Doctors Charter to advance to regional semifinals.

Westminster Christian is yet to lose in the regional quarterfinal round in coach Julie Doan Kurenuma’s eight-year tenure at the helm.

Outside hitter Sammy Ceballos paved the way for the Warriors (24-4) with her ferocious spikes. She totaled 17 kills and nine digs in extensive playing time with the Warriors battling injuries.

“We just moved a couple of people around,” Kurenuma said. “Some girls had injuries, so we saved them a little bit in hopes that we could pull it out.”

DAVID FURONES

MORE VOLLEYBALL

• Late Tuesday – Region 4-6A quarterfinal – McCarthy d. Hialeah-Miami Lakes 25-16,25-13, 25-18: Melissa Bandera 9 spikes, 3 aces, 30 assists. Natalia St. Thomas 13 sp, 3 aces, 8 kills. Alyssa Savery 9 spikes, 2 aces, 13 kills. AM 15-10.

• Late Tuesday scores - Region 4-6A quarterfinal – Hollywood Hills d. Mater Academy, 25-23, 25-8, 25-21; Region 4-2A quarterfinal – Sheridan Hills Christian d. Northwest Christian 25-6, 25-14, 25-7; Region 4-2A quarterfinal – Greater Miami Academy d. Zion Lutheran, 25-12, 25-12, 25-15; Region 4-2A quarterfinal – Westwood Christian d. Island Christian, 25-17, 25-15, 25-9.

CROSS-COUNTRY

•  District 16-3A: Belen posted a perfect score to win the boys’ team title and Northwestern took home the girls’ title at Larry and Penny Thompson Park on Wednesday afternoon. Avery Lopez ran a time of 16:04.51 to lead the Wolverines, whose team finished first through seventh for a score of 15. Senior Altoniece Williams ran a winning time of 21:21.94 to lead the Bulls’ girls.

Team scores – Boys: 1. Belen Jesuit 15; 2. Mater Academy 80; 3. Central 89; 4. Hialeah-Miami Lakes 139; 5. Homestead 141; 6. Northwestern 147; 7. Goleman 160; 8. Norland 168; 9. Westland Hialeah 195; Girls: 1. Northwestern 30; 2. Central 53; 3. Mater Academy 61; 4. Homestead 96; 5. Carol City 133; 6. Hialeah-Miami Lakes 150.

Individual results – Boys: 1. Avery Lopez (BEL) 16:04.51; 2. Fabian Tomas (BEL) 16:21.17; 3. Ryan Rodriguez (BEL) 16:25.25; 4. Michael Magoulas (BEL) 16:32.32; 5. Alexander Isaac (BEL) 16:44.64; 6. Andres Fernandez (BEL) 16:59.67; 7. Osiel Gonzalez (BEL) 17:07.57; 8. Marcus Smith (CC) 17:35.71; 9. Jims Thimogene (NOR) 17:38.21; 10. Gilbert Rodriguez (MA) 17:46.35; 11. Allen Seraphin (CEN) 17:51.94; 12. Sir-Wade Frye (CC) 18:19.43; 13. Charles Rodriguez (MA) 18:39.87; 14. Andres Cedeno (HOM) 19:32.09; 15. Olson Eelisca (HOM) 19:32.64; Girls: 1. Altoniece Williams (NW) 21:21.94; 2. Destiny Johnson (HOM) 21:29.61; 3. Yolanda Springer (NW) 21:32.01; 4. Sharie Hinds (CEN) 21:55.61; 5. Roselore Desir (CEN) 22:09.53; 6. Torrencia Allen (NW) 22:20.27; 7. Timetria Mitchell (NW) 22:21.45; 8. Venus Garcia (MA) 22:37.78; 9. Kayla Jackson (HOM) 22:45.23; 10. Ivette Trana (MA) 22:50.40; 11. Mendalina Simeon (CEN) 23:02.74; 12. Alexis Rodriguez (MA) 23:12.93; 13. Recardia Cooper (NW) 23:45.10; 14. Henfield Lidicia (CEN) 24:02.31; 15. Janice Rincon (MA) 24:22.15.