BAKER – The run for the volleyball post season kicks off Tuesday for Baker School and Crestview High School with the start of district tournament play.
The Gators, who are in quest of their 12th straight title, open play in the District 3-1A tournament semifinals at Jay at 6 p.m. against the winner of Monday’s Jay-Northview contest.
Baker Coach Tommiko Parks is pleased with where the Gators are as they try for a fourth consecutive trip to the state finals.
“The girls are confident and that’s the most important thing,” she said. “The girls are playing well. There are little things in our game that we would like to tweak and fix, but as of right now, we are just looking forward to playing and getting to the season after the season, so to speak.
“The girls are ready to play. They are excited about district tournament coming up.”
Crestview takes the floor at 7 p.m. at Fort Walton Beach High School in the District 1-7A tournament semifinals against Niceville.
Both the Gators and Bulldogs must win and advance to the tournament finals to qualify for the state tournament.
The championship match in the 3-1A tournament is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at Jay. The finals of the 1-7A tournament are at 7 p.m. Thursday at Fort Walton Beach.
In the meantime, Laurel Hill School is assured a spot in the state tournament by virtue of the being the No. 1 seed in the three-team District 1-1A. The Hoboes host their district tournament and will play the winner of the Bethlehem-Central match at 6 p.m. Thursday as Laurel Hill goes for its second straight title.
Meanwhile Parks expects her team to handle the high expectations well.
“We don’t really feel pressure,” she said. “The girls just enjoy playing, so to them it’s just a matter of playing. We know that we’ve got to step up our game and everyone is gunning to win a district championship. And if you are the defending champion everyone is coming after you.”
EmailNews Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: District volleyball tournaments start Tuesday