It wasn't a matter of Mater Academy playing poorly -- the Lions simply ran into a Cardinal Gibbons squad that was nearly flawless.

Despite a valiant effort from the Lions, Gibbons' net play was too much in Wednesday's Region 4A semifinal action as the host Chiefs swept their way into the round of eight with a 25-11, 25-13, 25-17 victory.

``Cardinal Gibbons is a perennial powerhouse, and they simply played like it tonight,'' Mater coach Zeida Davila said after watching her team close out its season at 22-7. ``We had a great season, plus a run of 50 wins in the last two years, with a team filled with seniors. We just didn't have enough to keep up with Gibbons tonight.''

The Chiefs (23-2) were especially dangerous on the frontline, with Jessica Wynn leading the way with 17 kills. Katie Hillman had 12 kills and Suzie Solenski was a perfect 10-for-10 in kill attempts. Caiti Donahue had hand in two-thirds of the Chiefs points with 50 assists.

Mater's Maria Madrid and Jenna Isaacs finished with eight and seven kills, respectively to lead the Lions.

``We're just peaking at the right time,'' Wynn said. ``Tonight, we never let up, and I still think we haven't realized our potential yet.''

After the Chiefs took the first two games with little challenge from the Lions, Mater made one last effort to lengthen the match when it came to within 18-14 in the third game. But Gibbons responded by taking five of the next six points, including two kills by Wynn before eventually closing the match on a tip by Solenski to draw the on-court celebration.

``Everything is falling into place tonight, especially with our offense and the way Caiti was moving our offense tonight,'' Gibbons coach Kathryn Farland said.

HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN

Weston's Melissa Klassman, 17, of the David Posnack Hebrew Day School in Plantation was the Florida girls' recipient of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award, a program that recognizes high school seniors throughout the country based on achievements in academics, athletics and community.

Klassman is one of 102 state finalists (51 girls and 51 boys) from 41,000 entrants to reach the region level. From there, the top six boys and top six girls will vie for the national honor before the Heisman Trophy presentation on Dec. 11 in New York City.

Since sixth grade, Klassman has lettered in soccer for Posnack's varsity team. Since ninth grade, she lettered in basketball, cross-country, softball and volleyball. She began playing tennis for the school in 10th grade.

Klassman is the second Posnack student from Weston to win. Two years ago, Solomon Braun, a Posnack cross-country and soccer player, earned a trip for the national finals. Braun, the first Broward student to make nationals, was featured during Heisman Weekend on ESPN2.

-- JIM VARSALLONE

FOOTBALL

In a ceremony at the school Monday, St. Thomas Aquinas kicker Michael Palardy and offensive lineman Brandon Linder received their game jerseys for the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Linder -- who is considering the University of Miami, Florida and Notre Dame -- is the Raiders' starting left tackle and has helped the offense average 42.3 points and 320 yards per game.

Palardy, who has verbally committed to Tennessee, has established himself as one of top kickers in the country.

He has converted 8-of-11 field-goal attempts.

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