Several local teams won their districts advancing to the 2024 FHSAA Volleyball playoffs. There also were several teams that won a bid to the playoffs, and made the most of their opportunity. Check out the results from the first round of the playoffs below, and don’t forget to keep checking for playoff recaps on DuvalSports.com.
#8 Baldwin vs #1 North Bay Haven Academy
Baldwin finished second in district 3A-3 and advanced to the playoffs. Led by Olivia Hartung 91 aces and 182 digs, Grace Gottberg 224 kills, Kendall North 37 blocks, and Tynlee Jarrell (471 assists), Baldwin received an all around effort from the entire team. Gottberg achieved her 400th career kill this year. As the #8 seed, the drew #1 North Bay Haven Academy (21-3) out of Panama City Florida, falling to them 3-0 in the first round. Baldwin finished with a record of 19-5.
#4 Bolles (12-14) vs #5 Wolfson (14-4)
Bolles scored the thrilling upset over Wolfson 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs. Sophia Albaugh 328 kills and 43 aces, Lily Adams 42 aces, and 709 assists, Sally Cleland 50 blocks, and Penelope Kavalieros 415 digs have powered the Bulldogs all year. Penelope Kavalieros achieved 1,000 career digs this year.
Although Bolles was the higher seed, Wolfson had the better record. Wolfson finished in our Top 10 Mid-season power rankings . Their schedule wasn’t the toughest, but they did what was asked of them, and that’s win. Unfortunately they came up short in a great season. Leaders are Bella Shaffer (174 kills), Mae Abernathy (52 aces) and 407 assists, Ava Farcas (33 blocks) , Trinity Pearson (209 digs).
Bolles, who finished 1st in district 3A-4 will now turn their attention towards North Bay Haven Academy, in hopes that they can get a big win for Northeast Florida over the #1 seed from the panhandle.
#7 Fernandina Beach vs #2 Pensacola Catholic
Fernandina Beach put up a fight against Pensacola Catholic but eventually fell 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs. They won their second set 25-22, before losing the next two. It was a great season for the Pirates, led by Victoria Rushing (298 kills, 57 aces), Callie Brackens 26 blocks, Claire Wilson (314 digs), Zatie Venditti (510 assists). They won the 3A-3 District Championship with a record of 13-11 in 2024.
#6 Episcopal vs #3 Florida State University
The 3A-4 district runners-up Episcopal Eagles led by Alexis Galani 243 kills, Quinn Edwards 59 aces, 24 blocks, and Lacey Reed 332 digs and 415 assists advanced to the playoffs with a 13-12 record. It was an up and down year for them, getting signature wins against playoff teams Fernandina Beach, Bishop Snyder and St. Johns Country Day. Yet the year came to an end in the first round of the playoffs, falling 3-0 to FSU.
2024 FHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championships 3A FHSAA Girls Volleyball
