Thunder, Mustangs advance to regional semifinals

The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball team defeated Calvary Christian 3-1 in the Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinals Oct. 29.

After losing the first set 20-25, the Thunder bounced back to take the next three sets 25-23, 25-18, 27-25.

Natalie Buffett powered ODA with 16 kills and 20 digs. Lauren Maxey added 13 kills, 19 digs and three aces. Libero Cameron Graham had 29 perfect passes and 28 digs. Reanna Gregory added six kills and six blocks.

With the win, ODA will travel to Clearwater Central Catholic for a regional semifinal match Nov. 5.

The Lakewood Ranch High volleyball team swept Seminole 25-22, 25-12, 25-21 in a Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinal match Oct. 29.

Ashlyn Falahee powered the Mustangs with 18 kills and eight digs. Lauren Owens contributed four kills, 13 digs and two aces. Nicole Grant finished with 10 kills and four blocks. Setter Ali Milbourn had 38 assists, four digs and two kills. Kahlee York added six kills and two aces.

Lakewood will play host to Sarasota, which beat Clearwater in five sets, in a regional semifinal match Nov. 5. It’ll be the fourth meeting between the two schools. The Mustangs won the previous three matches, including the district championship in four sets.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].