The boy’s volleyball team entered their Wednesday Apr. 29 district playoff match against Freedom High School 21-4. They were ranked as one of the best teams in Florida and had their eye on a district championship.
In 2014, the district title eluded the Wolves as they lost to Winter Park High School. But coach Cameron Stevens says in 2015 they’re poised to make a deep playoff run, “Our chemistry is much different this season. They work so well together, and fight for every point. We’re hoping that’s something that will take us far.”
They had not played in almost a week since the conclusion of their regular season when they swept talented Bishop Moore High School three sets to none. They were expected to handle Freedom easily in their semi-final match, but the Patriots proved tougher than initially thought.
Although the Wolves led the entire first set, they played sloppy; going up by three or four points, and then allowing the Patriots to score a few themselves. They were pushed past match point but won by two 26-24.
The second set was similar, going back and forth with the Patriots. At one point, the Wolves fell behind 9-10, and coach Stevens called a time out to regroup his squad.
“We knew we weren’t playing well,” said junior Michael MacGillivary. “In the huddle coach just said to step it up, and have a good mindset.”
The guys did and once again won by two to take the set, 25-23.
After claiming the first two sets, the Wolves could smell blood and opened the third on an 11-2 run. The Wolves were able to claim the third set 25-17 and swept Freedom 3-0.
“We didn’t play very well,” said Stevens. “Our passing was off, our emotions were off. But in the third set we picked it up and played better. They finished well and that’s important heading into Friday.”
The Wolves had clinched a spot in the district championship against Cypress Creek High School Friday, May 1. despite lackluster play against the Patriots. They were led on defense by senior Tyler Womick, who had 23 more digs to add to his already career record for Timber Creek. MacGillivary led the way on offense with a total of 16 kills.
The Wolves knew they would need to play better if they wanted to accomplish their season’s goals.
“Since losing the district championship last year, the goal all this season has been to win it,” said MacGillivary. “But we also know we can do what they were doing here in 2009—winning a state championship.”
