The Wolves were in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Friday, May 8 to take on Columbus High School in the state quarterfinal. They were 24-4 and coming off a strong win against Lyman High School in the state play-in game.
Coming off such a major win can sometimes work against a team and they can come out flat. However, the Wolves started strong in their first set, taking an early 13-7 lead. Columbus came within a point of cracking their lead more than once, but the Wolves hung on to win 25-22.
The second set started tight. The Wolves fell behind by two early, but were eventually able to tie it up at twelve. After again falling behind by two, coach Cameron Stevens called a timeout. It was a crucial time in the set at 16-14. The Wolves then came out and scored three consecutive points to take a 17-16 lead.
However, they would then give up the lead. The two squads would trade points until the Explorers eventually won the set by two 28-26.
“We were instantly down,” said junior Michael MacGillivary. “We knew we had to pick up the energy level.”
The third set started similarly. The two went back and forth trading points. Then, after falling behind 13-10, the Wolves went on a monster 10-3 run to force a Columbus timeout.
However, the third set would come down to the wire as well. The Explorers would again fight back to within striking distance, but couldn’t seal the deal. The Wolves would claim set number three 25-23, and take a 2-1 advantage for the match.
The Wolves came out fired up for the third set. They went for the Explorers jugular and took an early 7-2 lead. They would stretch that lead to as many as seven before the Explorers would call a timeout. The Wolves could taste the victory.
“Our emotion is a big part of us winning,” said senior Jassiem Obie. “We fight for every point. It means a lot when we get a big block and send a ball down.”
They Wolves would go onto win the the fourth set 25-17 and advance to the state semi-finals.
“I thought overall we played hard,” said coach Stevens. “We had some early mistakes, but we were able to push past our nerves and overcome the adversity.”
The Wolves are now 25-4 for the season. They will play their state semi-final match Saturday, May 9 against Archbishop High School.
“This playoff run means so much,” said Obie. “As seniors, this is our last chance to do it big. We know we have to lead the rest of the group and get that state championship.”
