E-City Takes on Seacrest in Sweet 16

The young Everglades City volleyball team exceeded expectations, advancing to the Sweet 16 in the state volleyball tournament with an exciting five-set win at Foundation Christian Academy in Brandon on Tuesday, October 21. The Gators then lost in straight sets at Seacrest Country Day on Saturday, October 25, a team under investigation by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) for alleged recruiting violations, to end their season. 

The Gators’ Sweet 16 loss was to be expected, as Seacrest plays a schedule loaded with state and local powers and has won the past four state championships. The Gators acquitted themselves well against Seacrest, falling 25-14, 25-16, 25-6. Seacrest’s 4-23 record is misleading, however, given the program recently forfeited nine matches in the wake of an FHSAA investigation centered around the alleged recruitment of a player from out of state. The majority of the Everglades City roster is comprised of freshmen and sophomores. 

In their win over Foundation Christian (17-7), the Gators handed their foe their first home loss of the season, 25-22, 23-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-9.