Doral Academy’s state title dream dashed by state top-ranked Plant in semifinals
Facing the top-ranked team in the state is always a tough draw in a state semifinal.
Doral Academy’s dream of girls volleyball state title came to an end after being swept 3-0 by No. 1-ranked Tampa Plant in a Class 7A semi Friday at the FHSAA state finals at Polk State College.
“We just didn’t execute our game plan well tonight,” Doral coach Julio Arnaiz said. “We got out of our system, and we struggled.”
Plant started fast, kept the pressure constant on Doral and won 25-19, 25-17 and 25-15. It will face Winter Park for the 7A state championship Saturday at 6 p.m.
“We had a lot of film on them, and we knew we had to serve them tough and get them out of their system. We needed to execute in transition because they are really fast. That is why they are No. 1 in the state,” said Arnaiz, now in his fifth season with Doral. “We just couldn’t execute on that first touch on defense, and they made us pay for that.”
Doral was led by Ainhoa Molleja with 11 kills and nine digs. Angelin Vazquez dove across the floor several times and came up with 17 digs while Erin McMullen added seven kills.
It was Doral’s second trip to the state semifinals in five years, and they will lose six seniors from this year’s squad. Among them are Izabela Molina, who signed with the University of Denver this week, and Sophia Torres, who signed with Stetson for beach volleyball.
“These seniors changed the program. We came from not winning a district title since 2015 to winning three (consecutive) district titles, regionals championships and two trips to state,” Arnaiz said. “Now we have to take it to the next level when we get to states.”
Plant was led by Maggie Dostic with 11 kills and 15 digs. Samantha Karjala added 10 kills and three digs while Kaylee Peper had 10 kills and three digs.
“Honestly, we bring energy,” Plant first-year head coach McKensie Harold said. “We are probably one of the most selfless teams you’ll see. Everyone is engaged.”
This story was originally published November 10, 2023 at 11:03 PM.