Jay volleyball just etched their name into the history books, clinching their first state championship ever after a grueling five-set victory over Branford (25-22, 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 15-8) to claim the Rural state championship. Coach Carey Locklin summed it up perfectly, telling the PNJ that the team still felt like they were “on cloud nine,” living “a really good dream.”
A Historic Night at Polk State College
This wasn’t just any win; it was a battle. The Royals (28-2) went up against Branford (29-3) at the Winter Haven Health Center at Polk State College, with a “raucous” crowd making sure everyone knew the stakes. Branford even chartered a spirit bus, but Jay parents countered with Amazon-ordered noisemakers, and Coach Locklin had her team visualize the Buccaneer blue as their own. And what a game it was. From the jump, Jay had to fight, trailing by at least four points in the first four sets, yet somehow managing to claw back and take the first and third. Even when Branford “steamrolled” through the fourth set, making Jay look like they forgot how to play, the Royals found another gear.
Godwin’s Dominance and Team Grit
Senior Darby Godwin was an absolute force in her final high school game, putting up a mind-blowing 26 kills on a .333 hitting percentage and adding 21 digs. Talk about leaving it all on the court! But she wasn’t alone. Aubreigh Nelson also delivered a huge double-double with 14 kills and 19 digs. Libero Lanie Stephens racked up an incredible 34 digs and 10 assists, while setter Bailey Lowry dished out 44 assists and 16 digs. Kylei Martinez chipped in with five kills and 18 digs, and Abigail Persichini added six kills. This squad hit .210 as a team, showing that collective effort truly wins championships. Branford’s Anabella Dicks also had a monster night with 31 kills and 24 digs, and Ava Alcorn tallied a match-high 57 digs, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Royals’ historic run.
The Fifth Set: All Business
Jay’s journey to this championship was a testament to their resilience. They had been down 13-9 in the first set before Godwin and Nelson ignited an 11-2 run to seize control. They cut a 17-12 deficit in the second set to 20-19, and closed the third set on a 9-2 run, with Nelson getting three crucial kills. But the true test came in the fifth set. Branford, the defending Rural state champions, came into this match 4-0 in five-setters, while Jay had lost their only five-set match all season. Did that faze them? Not a chance. Jay sprinted out to a 4-1 lead, then after Branford tied it at 5-5, the Royals reeled off six straight points and never looked back. Godwin, “all business” according to Coach Locklin, sealed the championship with a perfectly placed push to the back, catching Branford flat-footed. What a way to finish!
This state championship isn’t just a trophy; it’s a legacy. Jay volleyball finished their season 28-2, proving they were the best, and delivering a memory that will last a lifetime for those players and the entire school. Get ready for next year, because the Royals know what it takes now!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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