Clash of the Elite 8, pt. 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 7 PM, the second wave of the FHSAA 5A Regional Semifinals takes over with two heavyweight battles. Archbishop McCarthy vs. Lourdes Academy and Braden River vs. Port Charlotte will showcase talent across every position. With state championship dreams on the line, these athletes will be asked to bring their best performances yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>⸻</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Match 3: Archbishop McCarthy Mavericks vs. Lourdes Academy Warriors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mavericks thrive on balance. Junior right-side [player_tooltip player_id='769390' first='Juliana' last='Lugo'] averages 3.7 kills per set and has been a reliable point-scorer when rallies get tight. Sophomore middle Oprah Povea anchors the net with 43 blocks, giving opponents second thoughts when attacking the middle. Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='554331' first='Raquel' last='Hurtado'] has already picked up 174 digs, proving her toughness and consistency. Senior setter Fabiana Castro brings leadership and precision with 392 assists, making her the playmaker the team counts on in clutch moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their opponent, Lourdes Academy, packs just as much talent. Senior outside Juliet Vasquez Bello, averaging 2.9 kills per set, brings poise and variety to her attacks. Middle blocker Lexi Espin is a force at the net with 61 blocks, giving Lourdes strong defensive coverage. Senior setter Jenna Acosta is their steady hand with 466 assists, while libero [player_tooltip player_id='796260' first='Lily' last='Garcia'] has been the defensive heartbeat, collecting 262 digs this season. This matchup is a true heavyweight duel between setters and net protectors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>⸻</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Match 4: Braden River Pirates vs. Port Charlotte Pirates</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a Pirate vs. Pirate showdown, and both teams are armed for battle. Braden River relies on [player_tooltip player_id='845370' first='Chloe' last='Pogoda'], a senior right-side hammering home 3.6 kills per set, a player who thrives in clutch situations. Alongside her, senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='827430' first='Molly' last='Horalek'] has stacked up 52 blocks, ready to slow down Port Charlotte's top scorer. Senior setter Mia Maguire has recorded an incredible 785 assists, proving she knows how to keep her hitters in rhythm. Defensively, senior libero Rylan Steigler has an astonishing 456 digs, making her one of the most reliable back-row players in the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Port Charlotte will counter with firepower of their own. Senior outside Hannah Hall leads with 4.3 kills per set, bringing unmatched offensive strength. Sophomore middle Jazmine Vellos adds length at the net with 20 blocks. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='571977' first='Cora' last='McGinnis'] has tallied 141 assists, while libero [player_tooltip player_id='801840' first='Grace' last='Parent'] has 118 digs, giving the Pirates the defensive backbone they need. This one could go five sets, with momentum swinging back and forth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 7 PM, fans will see two battles filled with power, defense, and high drama. Archbishop McCarthy and Lourdes Academy will test each other's setters and middles, while Braden River and Port Charlotte will collide in a Pirate battle where only one crew sails on to the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->