Gardens, Benjamin to play for state titles

Three Palm Beach County volleyball teams took the court Saturday afternoon with state championship berths on the line, and two prevailed.

Palm Beach Gardens and Benjamin won their state semifinals at home in Class 9A and Class 4A, respec- tively, while Jupiter Chris- tian dropped a four-setter on the road in Class 3A.

Both the Gators and Bucs advance to the state championships this week at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Benjamin plays Tampa-Carrollwood Day Thursday at 4 p.m. for the 4A state title, while Palm Beach Gardens plays Winter Park-West Orange Saturday at 7 p.m. for the 9A state title.

The Bucs will play in their second straight state final, while the Gators will make their first appearance in the state championship game.

Below are the summaries from Saturday’s state semifinals.

Palm Beach Gardens def. Miami-Southwest 25-19, 27-29, 25-17, 25-21: Anabelle Standish had 20 kills and three digs, and Hannah Heide had 27 assists and four digs for the Gators (26-1). Also contributing for Palm Beach Gardens were Maddie Anderson (23 kills, 16 digs) and Ashley Klein (11 service points, 14 digs).

Benjamin def. MiamiRiviera Prep 25-11, 26-24, 25-15: Ellie Blain had a team- high 14 kills, Heather Sley added 10 and Sierra Barron had 30 assists and 11 digs to lead the Bucs (16-3) into the state final.

Naples-F i rst B aptist Academy def. Jupiter Christian 25-18, 25-22, 22-25, 25-18: The Eagles closed their most success- ful girls volleyball season at 19-6 after falling in Naples.