Class 2A District 16 Championship - by Guest Writer Philip "FLIP" Littke

Palmetto Bay in South Florida was rumbling last Friday night, but not because of an earthquake, the rumble on the ground happened because of yet another “Clash of the Titans” between rival powerhouses Westminster Christian School and host Palmer Trinity School, which occurred in front of a full house at the PTS gym, for the Championship title of District 16 Class 2A.

Both teams played exceptional volleyball, with every set being fought tooth and nail. Neither team gave away easy points to the other team, since each was extremely focused to ensure that the only way to lose a point would be through a power play, not a mistake or error.

Most notable of the game was the heightened level of blocking skills as both teams demonstrated not only exceptional blocking, but also block recovery, whereas long rallies would occur, with each team spiking, getting blocked, picking up the block, and spiking again. Over and over each team tried to look for each other’s weaknesses.

Westminster Christian did a very good job alternating their crossed spikes and spikes down the line, looking for gaps in the Palmer Trinity blocks, and gaps on the floor for dumping the ball. They have an excellent roster that can spike well in any rotation, and that was one of the key factors for their superior performance this year.

Palmer Trinity relied from their designated center blockers and did a very good job through the middle with their alternate middle spikers, and did prevail with the phenomenal spiking skills of their two twin towers, Paulina Prieto and Kristen Titley. Their varied attacks were all moderated by star setter Sarah Alfonso, who picked up very difficult serve receives and was able to deliver the ball throughout the net to her center or outside players. During tough sets, alternates Lauren Buss, Carson Zachar and Savannah Dominguez were able to contribute significantly. Particularly Dominguez, whom was able to capitulate with speed and her height in various clutch points during the fourth set, where Palmer Trinity saw a comfortable lead dwindle down to a tie at 24-24, and the team momentum, was virtually nil. This allowed Palmer the last burst of effort to finalize match set with a 27-25 and take home the Championship title.


The completion of a strong defensive back row was comprised of Erica Vazquez-Bacardi, Bailey Evans and Cecilia Leal, whom had their work cut out chasing deep spikes and dinks that landed virtually every time in the far corners, or in the middle. They continually were on the floor after a long dink, or fielding a strong spike from the powerful Westminster hitters.

With this win the Lady Falcons clinch the District 16 title and will face off the runner-up of the District 15 (Florida Christian). The Lady Warriors will face the winner of the District 15 matchup (Miami Country Day).

This historic rivalry might not be over yet this season. If both teams win their next game for the regional semi-finals, there is chance that they’ll meet again!! Good luck to both teams!!