The Jay Royals etched their names into school history by claiming their first-ever state volleyball title, defeating the Branford Buccaneers in a grueling five-set thriller at Polk State College’s Winter Haven Health Center. The decisive victory, secured with a commanding 15-8 fifth set after a back-and-forth battle that saw the score swing between 25-22 and 22-25, marked a pinnacle moment for the program. Head coach Carey Locklin expressed the team’s disbelief at the achievement, describing the squad as being “on cloud nine” and living in a “really good dream” following the final point.
Darby Godwin’s 26-kill masterclass seals Rural championship over Branford
Senior Darby Godwin delivered a career-defining performance in her final high school match, anchoring the Jay offense with 26 kills on a .333 hitting percentage and 21 digs. Support came from a balanced attack, with Aubreigh Nelson recording 14 kills and 19 digs, while setter Bailey Lowry orchestrated the offense with 44 assists. Libero Lanie Stephens provided defensive stability with a match-high 34 digs, and Kylei Martinez and Abigail Persichini contributed significantly with 18 and six kills respectively. Despite the team hitting .210, their defensive resilience and key serves proved decisive against a Branford squad that hit .222.
The atmosphere at the venue was electric, with a raucous crowd fueling the Royals’ momentum as Branford chartered a spirit bus to support their Buccaneers. For Branford, senior Anabella Dicks fought valiantly with 31 kills and 24 digs, while Ava Alcorn recorded a match-high 57 digs to keep the contest alive. However, Jay’s depth and composure in the final set sealed the Rural state championship, capping off a historic season with a trophy that will define the program’s legacy for years to come.
Source: Yahoo Sports
