Two local teams are taking the court Thursday in search of state volleyball championships.
On the first night of the FHSAA Girls Volleyball Finals, First Academy will take on Palm Beach Gardens Benjamin in the 4A championship match at 6:05 while Lake Highland takes on Miami Westminster Christian at 8:05.
Both matches can be seen on Bright House Sports Network (HD 1147), via the BHTV app and www.bhsnlive.com.
After losing in regionals the past two seasons, First Academy is once again playing for a state championship.
The Royals (25-4) won five straight state titles from 2008-2012 and finished runner-up in 2013. Head coach Haley Malone is in her 4th season with TFA and leads a roster that only has two seniors. Senior captain Brynna Deluzio is committed to Colorado and leads the team with 352 kills. Matti McKissock, a junior setter, is committed to Clemson University and leads the Royals in aces as well as assists.
Benjamin is 13-7 on the season and is seeking its first ever state championship.
In the nightcap, Lake Highland seeks a return to the top for the first time since 2008. The Highlanders overcame a slew of injuries in the regular season and enter Thursday’s final playing their best volleyball of the season. LHP’s top players include outside hitters Taylor O’Neal (192 kills) and Kelly Markowski (206 kills) and a talented freshman duo of setter Cierra Jenkins (474 assists) and middle blocker Lauren Gips (160 kills).
The Highlanders figure to get a strong challenge from Westminster Christian, which is considered one of the state’s top teams regardless of classification.
TFA, Lake Highland and Bishop Moore all have five state championships, tied for most in Central Florida. The Hornets play in the 6A title match Saturday afternoon.
All nine volleyball championship matches can be seen on Bright House Sports Network, the BHTV app and www.bhsnlive.com.