Doral Academy takes down top-seeded Boca Raton to reach state volleyball semis
The Doral Academy girls’ volleyball team waited a year for another chance to clear the obstacle that denied it a return trip to the state final four.
It wasn’t easy and it nearly slipped away.
But the Firebirds found a way on the road to take down top-seeded Boca Raton for a 3-2 (25-15, 25-19, 18-25, 22-25, 15-13) victory in the Region 4-7A final on Wednesday night at the Bobcats’ gym.
Doral Academy advanced to its second state final four in program history and for the second time in the past three seasons.
“It feels great to be back and this one is sweeter because it solidifies the program,” Doral coach Julio Arnaiz said. “When you make it the first time you wonder when are you going to be back. This one is good because it feels like the program is moving in the right direction and we’re cementing a legacy for the girls to come.”
The Firebirds (23-7) will be the No. 4 seed in the Class 7A semifinals and take on Tampa Plant next Friday at 7 p.m. at Polk State College in Winter Haven. Plant is the state’s top overall seed regardless of classification.
Doral took the advantage early in the match and was able to hang on thanks largely to its defense, which was led by senior libero Angie Vazquez. She totaled 25 digs, four aces and 36 receptions.
Junior setter Melissa Gonzalez had 30 assists, five digs and two aces to pace Doral’s attack.
Senior middle hitter Izabela Molina, who played in her third consecutive match since returning from an ankle injury, totaled nine kills and two blocks and senior Ainhoa Molleja also had nine kills and nine digs.
“It’s amazing and the way it happened in the same place again going to five (sets) against the same team and the same players,” Arnaiz said. “The ball bounced our way this time and I’m extremely proud of our girls because it’s not easy to be in the same situation as last year when we were up two sets. Last year we failed, but this time we executed and that’s not easy when you know that the season is on the line.”
This story was originally published November 2, 2023 at 12:03 PM.
