Pace could have folded when it was down two scores Friday night, trailing Navarre 17-6 with 3:50 to play in the third quarter.
Instead, Pace fought back in this key District 1-4S showdown with the Raiders, taking the lead at one point and having one last shot to win it at the end.
The Jay Royals are the district runner-up in District 1-A after falling in three sets to Baker, which won its 21st consecutive district crown Thursday night in Jay.
The Royals lost the match 25-13, 25-19 and 25-15.
Pace faces its biggest test of the season so far when it takes on Navarre Friday night while Jay and Milton are both looking to get back on the winning track.
The Panthers take on Crestview at home, hoping to snap a four-game losing streak, while the Royals welcome Lighthouse Private Christian Academy to town and take aim at ending a three-game slide.
Brian Simmons talked over the cheers of his Milton teammates, who were encouraging another swimmer during an event at the Santa Rosa County Meet earlier this month.
It’s one of the Panther swimmers’ favorite things about the sport.
There were tears. Long embraces. Pace head volleyball coach Cody Trimm also took a few moments to talk with each of his seniors, a group of players who have played such a big part in the success of the program.
Early on, it looked as if the Patriots would play another day, leading Navarre two games to none in a District 1-6A semifinal at Navarre.
Pace and Navarre are right next to each other in the FHSAA regional rankings this week, adding extra incentive and fuel to the fire for Friday’s matchup between the two schools in Pace.
Central’s volleyball season came to an end Tuesday night in a District 1-1A semifinal against reigning district champion Baker.
The Jaguars fell 25-12, 25-17 and 25-15 to the Gators.
