It's been a long road to get to the FHSAA state volleyball tournament, but two Charlotte County schools are still alive and each have the same goal.
"I want to win," said Lemon Bay senior Mackenzie Long.
It's win or go home season for high school volleyball, and Port Charlotte and Lemon Bay have advanced to the Final Four.
"It's just so surreal," said Long. "It hasn't honestly kicked in yet. I'm like, 'this is the last practice before we go!'"
The 13-12 Manta Rays, competing in the 4A bracket, are making their first semifinals appearance in 17 years, when most of the players on the roster weren't even born yet.
"It's really touching to my heart because we haven't done this since 2007," said Allison Elkins, Lemon Bay senior. "No matter the outcome, it's going to be a positive one anyways."
With one of the toughest schedules in the state, Lemon Bay got out to a 0-5 start, but were told to stay positive and trust the process.
"We were getting beat and the girls got down a little bit," said Lemon Bay head volleyball coach Pat Auer. "We said we don't care what happens now. Let's worry about what happens in October and November. And so and that's where we are now."
The Manta Rays flipped the switch and started to rack up the wins as the season progressed, ending October on a six-game winning streak.
"Nobody at the beginning of the season thought we didn't even get this far, and here we are," said Auer. "So we're making a name for ourselves."
A few miles east, the 19-8 Pirates are gearing up for the 5A semifinals for the first time since 2019.
"It’s what I’ve been dreaming of the whole time I've been playing since freshman year," said Port Charlotte senior Keira Hundley. "This is the most exciting thing for me."
With nine seniors on the roster, every time they take the court together is special.
"That's why we want to go out and go really far and as far as we can just because it's like most of our last time playing together," said Port Charlotte senior Nygeria Hart.
Port Charlotte really found its groove mid-season and has won 11 of its last 14, rolling into the semis with nine straight victories.
"Our lineup is finally the best I think it's been," added Hundley. "And that's what's really pushing us."
"They're confident, they just are doing all the right things," said Port Charlotte head volleyball coach Julie White. "They're just so invested. And I think our recent success definitely helps with that."
So let the battles begin! No. 4 Lemon Bay will face No. 1 Bishop Moore at 1pm on Thursday, November 7.
"I just think they're ready!" said Auer. "They're fighting every day. Every game they play, they're just go, go, go. They're not giving up. And that's all we can ask for them."
No. 3 Port Charlotte will play No. 2 Lourdes Academy later that afternoon at 4pm.