Lady Broncos stampede into semis

With an overall record of 12-15 heading into Wednesday night's regional quarterfinal volleyball match against 22-8 Stanton, Middleburg was seemingly in for a tight battle.

But three turned out to be the only number that really mattered, as the Lady Broncos took three-straight from the Lady Devils (25-23, 25-20, 25-16) to set up Tuesday's home regional semifinal game against the winner of Wednesday night's Bishop Kenny-Santa Fe contest.

The Broncos have beaten Santa Fe three times this season, including the District 3-4A championship game last week. Bishop Kenny beat Middleburg back on Sept. 20.

Coach Carrie Prewitt said either team will be a tough assignment for her squad, and she had no preferences to play one over the other.

"We're going to play well regardless of who we play," she said as her team celebrated out on the floor.

The coach said her entire team played well Wednesday, and she gave special praise to juniors Becky Harris and Katie Davis for especially strong play.

Senior Rachel Shipley led the Lady Broncos in kills with 11, while senior Chloe French served three aces. Junior Jessica Burghart had 30 assists.

The Lady Broncos improved their overall record to 13-15, while Stanton's season ended at 22-9.

Middleburg was the only Clay County volleyball team left standing after the regional quarterfinal round. 6A Orange Park lost at Port Orange Spruce Creek, 25-11, 17-25, 25-23, 25-19.

St. Johns Country Day's season ended at 14-14 after its three-game quarterfinal loss at Gainesville Oak Hall. Fleming Island's season finished at 18-9 after Tuesday's five-game quarterfinal loss at Gainesville Eastside (18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 15-11).