On Tuesday, October 25, the Tampa Catholic Crusaders and Academy Jaguars walked into Berkeley Prep’s gym knowing there would be a fight to the finish. The first District match for both teams this season proved to be one of the toughest games either team had ever played, with the match going to five sets. Holy Names beat TC in the final run 15-12, making the record 3-2, qualifying for regions for the first time since 1997.

At the start of the first set, TC came out with bang. The Crusaders took the win to make the score 1-0. The Jags huddled together and encouraged each other to put up a strong fight. In set two, Holy Names came out with waves of energy and confidence to make the record 1-1. The Jags held the momentum through the third set bringing them into the lead with a record of 1-2. TC brought passion and a new fight into set four and tied the score to 2-2.

Now came the final set, the biggest moment for both teams. Set 5 began and TC took the lead gaining confidence. The Jags took a time-out, got fired up, and came back to the court with an assertive fire. Both teams were in it until the very last whistle ended the match. Freshman Becca Prossen and junior Erin Przedpelski helped bring energy to the team with their strong kills.

After the match,  Holy Names head coach Jeff Davis said to TBO.com, “We were really able to use that experience of having played in a fifth game. We were able to feel the pressure and have to make the plays to win.”

Senior starter Brynn Wiley commented, “Every time we have played,  we go five sets. To be honest, I have the most fun when we play them because you know they’re going to give you everything. It can be frustrating, but in a good way.”

Holy Names will continue its play against Berkeley Prep on Thursday, October 27. Go Jags!