Winter Haven Fl-Middleburg defeated Barron Collier in 3 straight sets 25-23, 25-17, and 25-23 to win the FHSAA Class 5A championship. Brooke Forkum hit the deciding kill for the Broncos, who secured their first state championship in school history.
Middleburg fell behind 17-13 as Barron Collier’s Aisha Keric made several kills. However, the Broncos saw Connor Rahn lead her team back as she has done all year. She’s led the team with 368 kills, 58 aces and incredibly 260 digs. Middleburg would take a 21-20 lead late in the set, and finish it off with a kill by Brooke Forkum.
Middleburg’s height has been an important part to their success this year and in the second set, the Broncos took advantage of the rotation. Ally Lowery who is 5 foot 10 leads the team with 42 blocks. Connor Rahn in 6 foot 1 and Brooke Forkum is 5 foot11. They all displayed their ability to defend the net against Barren Collier.
Middleburg would rally winning a back and forth match with saving digs, and diving steady assists. Conor Rahn would finish the rally wearing down their opponent building a 23-16 lead. The Broncos would seal the deal in the second, when Rahn finished with one of her massive kills. Middleburg would be one set away after winning 25-17.
In the 3rd set, Middleburg built an early lead but displayed their excellent serving. Back to back aces saw them take a 13-9 advantage. Mariah Bostic-Jones and Brianna Adams who both lead the team in aces were instrumental in getting the job done all season . A signature play of the set saw Morgan Padgett return a dig from a massive serve by Barren Callier, setting up a magnificently high assist from Connor Rahn which led to an impossible kill by Camden Rahn. That play started by Padgett who had 320 digs coming into the game signified that the end was near for the Collier Cougars, and pageantry could begin for the Broncos.
The team is led on the sidelines by head coach Meredith Forkum, who in just her first year has led the team to a 27-5 record and a state championship. A remarkable job by a coach who has an impressive club ball resume, but whom is just getting started at the high school level in Northeast Florida.
Featured Image courtesy of Middleburg Athletics
