PHOTOS: West Orange takes down Winter Park 3-0 in 9A regional semis -- Observer Preps

Sports

It was a dominating performance for the Warriors (26-0, 6-0) on Wednesday night in a 25-12, 25-15, and 25-15 sweep of the Wildcats (22-7, 6-0) in the 9A FHSAA regional semifinal.

"I think we came in with a level head, just knowing it was just one game at a time and making sure we handle business on our side of the court," said Warriors coach Ross Usie after the game. "We're more worried about let's do things right on our side."

And the home side did just about everything right from the get-go.

Not much time was taken before the Warriors set the tone early, jumping into a commanding lead before taking the first set 25-12.

A huge part of the dominance came from sophomore Taylor Head, who lead the team in kills (16) and serving aces (5), and senior Baylor Bumford, who set up scores with a whopping 35-assists. Junior Kaeli Crews helped by providing 10-kills of her own, and junior Torey Baum and Makala Heidelberg each racked up nine-digs a piece.

In the second set the Wildcats appeared to settle in a bit as they took the early lead, but halfway through the set the Warriors would storm back in a run before a 25-15 win.

It would be deja vu in the third set as the Wildcats and Warriors found themselves tied up at 10-10, before a four-point run would put the Warriors in the driver seat all the way to another 25-15 set win – sealing up the sweep and regional finals appearance.

So far through the playoffs the biggest issue the Warriors have faced has actually come in the form of the week-long breaks between games – but that can be worked with, Usie said.

"We make sure we are practicing what we need to be practicing and staying focused during practice, and then executing during the games," Usie said. "With these long breaks between games it's tough to keep them focused, but you keep the drills exciting in the practices and you make sure they stay level in the game situations and pressure situations."

The Warriors will be on the road for the regional final matchup against Oviedo (25-3, 6-0) on Nov. 7. A win for the Warriors would mean an appearance in the state semifinals.