Lady Pirates make history

It had never been done before.

The Braden River High volleyball team had never advanced to the regional finals.

But after defeating St. Pete Lakewood during the regular season and again in the district championship game, the Lady Pirates believed they had a chance.

They believed they were the better team. And in the end they proved they had been right all along.

After losing Game 1 25-21, Braden River came out relaxed and in control and took care of business on the court, winning three straight games to defeat St. Pete Lakewood 3-1 in tonight’s Class 4A-Region 3 semifinal and advancing the regional finals for the first time in school history.

The Lady Pirates (23-6) defeated the Lady Spartans (15-10) 25-17 in Game 2, 25-19 in Game 3 and 25-22 in Game 4.

Sophomore Brittany Jaco led the way for Braden River, finishing with 17 kills. Senior Lauren Powell added 13 kills. Junior Brittany Jaco had nine kills and senior Allison Martin added eight kills. Senior setter Regina Aluise dished out 51 assists.

The Lady Pirates will return to action at 2 p.m. Nov. 14 when they play host to the winner of tonight’s other regional semifinal between Naples and Fort Myers.

For a complete story on tonight’s game pick up the Nov. 19 issue of the East County Observer.