Pirates breeze in regional opener

EAST MANATEE — The first regional volleyball match played in Braden River’s gymnasium lasted just over an hour.

(Two minutes over an hour, to be exact.)

The Pirates, however, were not complaining. They spent the fall accomplishing their goals, and Wednesday’s quick sweep of Ruskin Lennard in a Class 4A-Region 3 quarterfinal puts the Pirates one step closer toward securing another — playing for a regional championship.

“We’ve already won a regional game,” said junior Kaleigh Jaco. “Our goal this year was to win two.”

The Pirates (22-6) became the first team in school history to win a regional game last year, and had little trouble accomplishing the feat again, brushing aside the Longhorns (8-9) by scores of 25-12, 25-9, 25-14.

Braden River didn’t trail until Game 3.

“I was so nervous before this game,” said Jaco, who finished with 10 kills and five blocks, “because we knew nothing about this team.”

So the Pirates simply played their game.

“We did what we do,” said coach Steve Haugh. “We passed the ball well, we got into our quick offense.

“It’s very nice to have that first one.”

Braden River advances to the regional semifinals for the second consecutive season when they head St. Petersburg Lakewood at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

“The big one is next week,” Haugh said, “where we can hopefully reach our goal.”

Braden River wasted little time jumping on Lennard, taking a 14-3 lead in Game 1 and 14-4 lead in Game 2. The Longhorns rallied in the finale, taking a 9-8 lead, before the Pirates scored 17 of the game’s final 22 points.

“They were scrappy,” Haugh said of the Longhorns. “They made us hit a whole bunch.”

Braden River, however, had little trouble hitting — Lauren Powell had 12 kills and Courtney McDevitt added five, while Regina Aluise spread the ball around to the tune of 33 assists.

All of this was done in front of a crowd watching the Pirates play the first home regional volleyball game in program history.

“Our first home game,” Jaco said. “I’m honored I was one of the (players).”

They may have two more — if the Pirates defeat Lakewood, they would host a regional final at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

Of course, they have to get their first.

“They’re as prepared as they’re going to be,” said Haugh, who, as per his usual custom, will give his team Friday off. “They just have to show up with what we’ve talked about all year, which is having a great attitude.

“It’s all about emotion.”