JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Mandarin Mustangs (10-9) avenge last season’s 3-0 lost to Bartram Trail that crowned them runner-up of the 7A District. This season they defeated the Sandalwood Saints (8-10) in three straight sets to claim the 7A District title.
Early on in set one, the Mustangs took the lead 6-1 thanks to junior setter Taylor Boyd’s kill. She would finish with 8 kills in the match.
In the later part of set, Saints’ sophomore middle blocker Ryann Prince tallied three aces in a row but it wasn’t enough as the Mustangs took set one 25-14.
The Saints came out with fight during set two. They took their first and only lead of the match when the Mustangs powered in for a kill but it was too strong and went out of bounce.
Yet the Mustangs came back and took the lead to never looked back. They won set two with a score of 25-17.
During set three the the Saints made multiple turnovers and the Mustangs capitalized on them. Mandarin went on an early 6-0 run and that momentum carried them to a 25-16 victory and being crowned the 7A District champs.
Mandarin’s stat leaders for the night were Taylor Boyd & Kylie Spraggins with eight kills, Mia Watson with four aces and 23 assist, and Emma Dailey with 25 digs.
Both teams move on to compete in the regional quarterfinals on Wednesday October 21 at 7pm. The venue and opponents each team will face are still to be determined.
