By Steve Waters
The District 2A—5 volleyball tournament kicks off next week, and both Chiefland and Bronson face big challenges at the event.
The tournament official kicks off on Saturday with the play-in game. No. 8 seed and tournament host Bell will face No. 9 seed Hawthorne.
No. 4 Chiefland kicks off the tournament against No. 5 Branford. The two teams last played on Oct. 14, the Indians’ Senior Night. Chiefland outlasted Branford in a four-game, 21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-15 victory.
Assuming another victory for Chiefland, they may have No. 1-seeded P.K. Yonge waiting in the wings. The Blue Wave are perennial contenders for the district crown and are undefeated in district play this season.
Last season, P.K. Yonge advanced to the 3A Regional Finals, losing to Lake Highland Prep in four games. Lake Highland eventually won the 3A state title, defeating Berkeley Prep in four games.
Bronson kicks off their tournament chances on Monday against No. 2-seeded St. Francis Academy. St. Francis also advanced to the regional finals last season in 2A. They were swept by Warner Christian in three games. Warner Christian eventually went on to win the state 2A championship.