Bradenton Christian’s volleyball team cleared a major hurdle Thursday night.
And the Panthers’ future should be better off for it.
BCS swept past Class 1A-District 8 rival Tampa Bayshore Christian 3-0, winning by scores of 25-18, 25-20, 25-22 on Senior Night.
The win gives the Panthers (21-4, 7-1) the top seed in the district tournament, which gets underway the week of Oct. 26 at Seffner Christian.
It was the first time this season they defeated Bayshore Christian, which won the first two meetings.
“The girls,” said Bradenton Christian coach Greg Geraldson, “they know they can beat them now.”
Chynna Ratner had 15 kills, Abi Van Ostenbridge had 10 kills and 11 assists and Maria DeKuiper had nine kills and three blocks.
Savannah Smith, a senior who was honored with Kelly Moss, had four aces, eight service points and 15 digs, helping anchor a defense bent on stopping Tampa Bayshore’s heavy-hitting Gabrielle Fernandez.
“We just worked on digging back row attacks,” Geraldson said, “and mixed the defense up a little.”
Moss had 100 percent serving. BCS converted 97 percent of its serves, making just two service errors.
“We served a lot tougher,” Geraldson said.
The win sets up the postseason nicely for the Panthers, who advanced to the Class 1A state final four last year for the second time in three seasons.
“We had all the football players there (Thursday),” Geraldson said, “so that helped fire everyone up.”
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