Rays Win PCAC, Lose in District Semifinal

The Marco Island Academy Rays volleyball team made it look easy this week, starting with a straight sets win over Everglades City, Thursday, October 8, in the MIA gym, then doing the same to Gateway Charter in the district quarterfinals on Monday, October 12, at home to advance to the district semifinals at Community School on Tuesday, October 13. Things got a little tougher against the Seahawks, who eliminated the Rays in four sets, 26-28, 16-25, 25-19, and 21-25 to advance to the district finals against First Baptist Academy.

In what has become a yearly ritual, the Rays breezed to the PCAC crown. This time an improving Everglades City team was no match, falling  25-15, 25-16, 25-14.  Longtime Everglades coach Becky Welch has nothing but respect for the Rays.

“They warmed up like they were ready to beat Marco,” Welch said after the match. “And they started off every set with that same intention. And then they slip down three to five points, and they get in a little rut. And then we’d call a timeout, and then they’d pick it back up and chip it two or three. But you know, Marco’s good. We’re good. I love playing them. I love the rivalry. But, you know, one day we’ve got to flip it.”

Gateway Charter had no illusions of flipping it against the Rays, falling 25-9, 25-11, 25-5 in a match that really wasn’t that close.

In the district semifinal, Community School was just too much for the Rays. The schools split five-setters during the regular season with the Rays winning 3-2 on August 25. The Seahawks (14-6) returned the favor with a 3-2 win on September 30. Tuesday, it was the Seahawks who had more firepower. Despite the loss, the Rays (14-10) are expected to advance to the regional tournament next week. The Seahawks advance to take on First Baptist Academy (24-2) for the district championship on Thursday, October 15, at 6:00 PM.