Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Palmer Trinity Powers over Westminster in three sets


This time of year is full of the excitement of the playoffs as Class 2A Titans: Palmer Trinity and Westminster clashed for the forth time this year in the Regional Semifinals. Unlike all of their previous matches the victor was decided in just three sets as Palmer Trinity controlled the net.

Palmer Trinity advanced with a three set victory 25-21, 25-9, 25-20 and will now face Westminster Academy of Broward County in the regional Finals.

At the beginning of the match the gym was a buzz with anticipation as both teams respect one-anothers ability and all knew that either way, a very talented teams season would be coming to an abrupt end. The first set was as many have been in this classic match-up; hard fought with many great plays from both sides. In the end Palmer Trinity broke a tie late in the set to capture set one 25-21.



Set two began with Palmer ridding the momentum of the first set to a quick 8-1 run. They never looked back as Paulina Prieto, Savannah Dominguez and Kristen Titley controlled the net and the set with a 25-9 victory.

As set number three started, most in the gym wondered how Westminster would respond.
Would they come out flat or would they dig deep within themselves and play like warriors. Of course they came out like warriors and took a commanding 9-2 lead. Just as it seemed that we were headed towards yet another 5 set thriller, Palmer Trinity started to assert itself and to control the net with it's power game. The 9-2 lead that Westminster earlier enjoyed became a 13-9 deficit as Palmer Trinity went on an 11 point run. The set was closely contested with the last tie being at 18 a piece when Palmer went on it's final run to close the set and the 2009 version of the "Clash of the Titans" as Palmer won set no. 3 (25-20).



As many folks in the gym congratulated the deserving Palmer Trinity players and coaches, I'd like to take the time to acknowledge the Westminster team and tip my hat off to them and the great season that they had in 2009.




2 comments:

Flip said...

I agree with Mr. Zaldivar in the sense that both teams were formidable foes and powerhouses in their district. Watching these two teams one is impressed with the amount of heart and effort that goes in to achive just one point. Both teams would never let up. Only one can come out the victor in the game, but I say that both teams came out victorious and Westminster Christian can go home knowing that the have one of the best teams in Southern Florida.

Unknown said...

Yes, Westminster Christian is a good team, However Palmer Trinity is much better. Palmer Trinity always gets stronger as the season progresses. The last two years, Palmer and WM have met 8 times and Palmer has prevailed 6 of the 8 times they have played. Palmer has one of the best if not the best coaches in volleyball and obviously a powerful hitter in Paulina Prieto, as well as a strong bench, great blocking, great setter, and other hitters and position players that quietly do their jobs and improve as the season goes on. They are a tough team to beat and a very exciting team to watch. Westminster Christian deserves recognition for a great season, but Palmer has earned the respect of this VBall fan with their record and second District Championship in two years.