Venice girls volleyball walked into Winter Haven on Friday two sets away from a state championship game. The Indians took the first set 25-21 and the second 25-16 in the FHSAA Class 6A semifinals, and the seventh state title in program history felt within reach. Horizon had other plans.
The comeback turned in the fourth set, when Horizon senior Kenzie Vazquez kicked the ball for a set point to close out a 25-17 win, one of the strangest plays you’ll see in a playoff match. Big shots from Elena White kept Horizon rolling, and a Camilla Radaelli kill sealed the fifth set 15-11. It was Horizon that also handed Venice its last loss before Friday, back in early October.
Venice closes the season at 22-5 with a seven-match winning streak and a final four appearance. For the seniors, it’s a painful ending, but the run gave Gulf Coast volleyball fans plenty to cheer about. Horizon advances to Saturday’s championship game.
Did you watch the match or follow it online? Tell us your favorite moment from Venice’s season in the comments.
