Holbrook’s volleyball team has qualified for the state tournament following their 3-2 win over Florence on Nov. 5. The 14th ranked Roadrunners hosted 19th seeded Florence in a classic battle.
The advantages of hosting, came into play in the first game as Florence struggled following a long bus ride and Holbrook prevailed 25-19. In the second game, Florence came to life behind their athletic front line, winning game two 25-18 tying the match at one each. Florence kept the momentum in game three winning it 25-19 to take a 2-1 lead and at the moment it looked like they might end Holbrook’s season in the fourth game.
The Lady Roadrunners showed their mental toughness and survived game four, 25-20 behind some key blocks at the net.
The fifth and final game went back and fourth. Holbrook moved on top 4-1 only to see Florence battle back and take a 9-6 lead. Holbrook then fought back to tie the game at 9-9. Florence pulled away and led 13-10. Facing two points from elimination Coach Aaron LaRose’s team battled back with some great defensive efforts. They fought their way to a 14-14 tie. The match went to 15-15 before Holbrook won the final two points sending them to the 3A state tournament with a thrilling 17-15 win.
Due to Payson’s upset in the play-in matches, Holbrook finished as the 13th overall seed and will face No. 4 seeded Tanque Verde in the first round of the state tournament at 9 a.m. Friday morning. That match will be played at Camelback High School. With a win they would match up with either No. 5 Odyssey Institute or No. 12 American Leadership Academy Gilbert.
Holbrook finished the season with an regular match record of 11-7 marking the first time they have had a winning record since 2014, which was also the last time the Lady Roadrunner Volleyball team qualified for the state tournament. That year they went 10-3, but fell to Coconino in the first round of the state tournament.
