LAKELAND -- When the Westminster Academy volleyball team plays in the Class 2A state semifinal on Friday, there will be a similar feel to the families of senior serve specialist Megan Dunn and senior defensive specialist Jennifer Walsh.

The last time the Lions played in the state semifinals was 2004, and Dunn and Walsh's sisters were part of that team, competing at The Lakeland Center.

Each Westminster team -- 2004 and 2009 -- beat Miami Palmer Trinity in five games en route to state. Kate Walsh was a setter and defensive specialist. Katie Dunn played outside hitter. They beat Tallahassee North Florida Christian in the 2004 state semifinals, before falling just short, losing in the state-title match to powerhouse Tampa Prep.

``I definitely remember that like it was yesterday,'' Jennifer Walsh said. ``I went to every game, and Megan Dunn and I made posters for all the girls on the team for the state final. Those girls were my role models. It is amazing. I feel like I am carrying on a family tradition, and this is what I have dreamed of ever since I saw that [2004] team advance to the state finals.''

Tampa Prep (16-10) again made the state final four this season. They are vying for their 16th state title, the last coming in that 2004 win over the Lions.

First, Westminster Academy (23-6) plays Orlando First Academy at 10 a.m. Friday in the Class 2A state semifinals at The Lakeland Center. First Academy (25-4), the defending state champions, defeated Palmer Trinity last season in the Class 2A state final.

``We're going into it blind,'' said Lions' first-year coach Katie McCrath. ``At the end of the day, it's about us and making adjustments quick enough.''

NEXT MATCH

The winner plays the winner of Tallahassee Maclay/Tampa Prep for the 2A state title at noon Saturday. Maclay (24-6) won state titles in 1975, '95 and '96. Last season Maclay dropped the 2A state semifinal to First Academy, and Tampa Prep lost to Palmer Trinity in the other state semifinal. Westminster beat Maclay in the 2001 state semifinals.

The Lions are 2-5 in state semifinals and 0-2 in state finals.

``We are thrilled to go and get the opportunity to bring the first [volleyball] title home to Westminster Academy,'' McCrath said.

``Our goal at the beginning of the season was to get to state. Now we don't want to stop there. Our goal is to win it.''

Leigh Andrew, who earned The Miami Herald Class 3A-1A Volleyball Player of the Year honors as a freshman last season, once again leads the Lions. The hitter is one of the best sophomores in the country. A five-tool player, she not only is a strong, smart hitter but she also is outstanding defensively.

Brenna Pelletier, Julia Appleby, Andrew and Walsh anchor a good defense. Amelia Bohlander and Mckenzie Keightley are solid in the middle, and Emily McMurtrey is a standout setter. Betsy Botkin, Katie Hepp and Paige Kniskern are good role players.

After trailing Palmer Trinity two games to none in the region final Saturday, Westminster (23-6) battled to win the next three -- including a season-saving rally off three match points in Game 4 -- to advance to state.

``Our preseason conditioning has really paid off,'' McCrath said. ``We were jumping high and moving pretty well, and we were able to adjust.''

A TRADITION

After winning the region title, the Westminster Academy players jumped in the school pool. It is a tradition when they win regionals.

Do they have one for winning state?

They never have won state. That can change this weekend, but it will be tough.