Gibbons gains slot in regional final

FORT LAUDERDALE — After two down seasons, Cardinal Gibbons’ girls volleyball team is looking to add another banner to its impressive gymnasium wall.

With legendary Hall of Fame coach Louise Crocco looking on from the stands, the Chiefs pulled out a 27-25, 25-21, 25-19 victory over visiting Calvary Christian Academy in the Class 5A semifinal on Tuesday night.

Cardinal Gibbons, with a state-best 20 state championships is in search of their first title since 2015. The Chiefs, which rallied from a two-game deficit to defeat Trinity Catholic (Ocala) in five games for the state championship that season, had failed to get past the district tournament the following two years.

Following the match, Crocco, who won 18 of the school’s state titles before retiring, huddled the team together and gave them some inspirational words.

The Chiefs, riding a five-match winning streak, will travel to play Westminster Christian on Nov. 6.

Senior setter Caitlyn Faber had 30 assists, four kills, 11 digs, 2 blocks, and a service point to lead the Chiefs, while senior outside hitter Jenna Giaquinto had 11 kills, 10 digs and two service points. Junior Payton Kadivar also had a strong outing with 19 service points, two aces, 7 digs and an assist.

“This is such an amazing feeling,” Giaquinto said. “It is a new experience and one of the best feelings ever.”

Cardinal Gibbons (20-9) and Calvary Christian (16-6) split their two earlier meetings this season with Calvary winning the regular season meeting in five games before the Chiefs rallied to win the district championship in three straight.

“This was huge,” said Cardinal Gibbons coach Kathryn Reeber, who also won in 2010. “After them beating us in the regular season and then us beating them in the district final, we knew it was going to be a great match and we knew we couldn’t let our guard down.”

Cardinal Gibbons jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first game before the Eagles clawed back to tie the game at 25-25. The Chiefs pulled out the win and carried that momentum in winning the second and third games to take the match.

“Our energy was high and we were ready to go,” said Reeber of the quick start, “we kind of sat back a little bit and they fought back hard. I am happy we were able to come back and finish it out.”

Senior Kaitlyn Green paced the Eagles with 12 kills, while junior Jolan Williams had five blocks. Senior Kaitlyn Watkins (19 digs), junior Manaia Rewi (16 assists) and senior Eliana Burgos (12 assists) also contributed in a losing effort. 9A

Palm Beach Gardens def. Boca Raton 25-23, 25-12, 25-12: 4A

Benjamin def. Miami Country Day 25-14, 25-10, 25-13: