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In an inner city showdown on Tuesday, the Gainesville High School Purple Hurricanes Girl’s Volleyball team faced off against the Buchholz High School Bobcats, both teams hoping to bring home a district title in the playoff match. The now 12-12 Bobcats stood in the underdog spot against the now 20-6 Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes Take the First Set
The Hurricanes started the set strong with the first points scored by sophomore setter, Chloe Petrik. The set remained close until GHS began running away from the struggling Bobcats. With several big plays by senior middle blocker, Jasmine Ver Bust, the Hurricanes found themselves up 17-10. GHS kept hammering away, eventually winning the set 25-16.
@GHSHurricanes take the first set 25-16 over bucholz @ESPNGainesville pic.twitter.com/0E6TPwrhWS
— Jackson Colding (@Colding_Jackson) October 18, 2022
Gainesville Pulls Ahead Second Set
The Hurricanes battled with the Bobcats throughout the second set, making it tough on both sides. GHS fought to gain a slight 18-16 lead late in the set. The strong defense of BHS started to wane, however, and GHS took the set 25-18 with a winning serve from Petrik.
Buchholz Falls in the Third Set
The Bobcats came into the third set holding onto the last bit of hope to continue their season. BHS started fast, gaining an early 5-4 lead. Yet, the performance of junior middle blocker, Charlotte Gravlee brought GHS back on top 9-6.
The deficit widened as junior outside hitter, Brinkley Kinsell dominated the net, scoring consecutive points for the Hurricanes. The set ended 25-17 in the Hurricanes’ favor, giving them a massive playoff win and district title.
@GHSHurricanes win in straight sets and take the last set 25-17 @ESPNGainesville pic.twitter.com/hxVlgSFwq4
— Jackson Colding (@Colding_Jackson) October 18, 2022
The 3-0 victory will send the Hurricanes to the 19-2, No. 3 state-ranked New Smyrna Beach High School on Thursday where they will look to continue their run in the Florida 6A playoffs.
