Barron Collier wins 13th straight district title as coach gets 100th win
NAPLES, FLORIDA – The Barron Collier High School volleyball team is focused on another deep run in the state playoffs. But first, the Cougars had to get past an old rival.
For the eighth time in nine years, Barron Collier played Naples High in the district championship game Thursday. And just like the previous seven times, the Cougars got the best of their crosstown rivals.
Barron Collier swept Naples on its home court, winning 25-12, 25-17, 25-10.
Barron Collier volleyball coach Yamil Del Valle holds sign celebrating his 100th career, which also happened come as his team won its 13th consecutive district championship with a win over Naples.
Photo by Adam Fisher
"This was a big game. We were all really focused on this win," Barron Collier senior Keira Kruk said. "That Naples High team, we can't take them lightly. They're a really scrappy team, but we were able to take the win."
It was the 13th straight district championship for the Cougars (15-5). Now they want to extend another streak -- Barron Collier has won five regional championships the past six seasons, including last year.
Despite the three set victory, the Cougars had trouble with Naples at times on Thursday. The Golden Eagles (15-15) scored the first point in the opening two sets and held brief leads.
Naples put the pressure on Barron in the second set by taking a three-point lead midway through the frame. But the Cougars went on a 10-2 run to take command.
Looking to squash any Naples upset dreams, Barron Collier came out fast and hard in the third and final set. The Cougars took a 7-1 lead early and were up 14-3 before closing out the match and the district title.
"We did not want to go to a fourth set. We did not want to risk anything," said Kruk, who is the daughter of former Major League Baseball all-star John Kruk. "We were really happy we came out strong. That's what we've been practicing, those big third sets."
The district title also served as the 100th victory for coach Yamil Del Valle at Barron Collier. Those wins have come in just five seasons, giving the Cougars an average of 20 wins a year under Del Valle, plus five district titles.
"When I came here I wanted to reach milestones like this for the girls and to build a program," Del Valle said. "It's been tough dealing with COVID and shorter seasons, fewer and fewer games. But we're here to do work and make it happen."
Barron Collier will host a Class 5A regional quarterfinal game on Wednesday. Naples High likely will get into the FHSAA playoffs via a wildcard berth, which are decided by a ranking formula based on strength of schedule.
In the district final, Barron Collier got strong all-around play from Kendra Pruitt, who contributed big kills, aces and even a few blocks. Kruk, Scarlett Martz and Charlotte Mongin also played well offensively.
Alexis Szymanski led Naples with eight kills.
