By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Harmony moved to within one victory of the state volleyball tournament Tuesday by dispatching Lake Minneola, 25-20, 27-25, 25-16, at the Hawks gym in the regional semifinal round.

It is the first time that the Lady Longhorns advanced past the semifinal round in three tries.

The Longhorns, 21-8, will host Lakeland George Jenkins, 22-5, Saturday at 2 p.m. for the regional championship.

Jenkins beat rival Lakeland, 25-19, 25-11, 25-21 Tuesday.

Marie Gilbert led Harmony with 14 kills and 13 digs at Lake Minneola, which finished 17-5.

Genesis Viera had 27 assists, while Alexis Trobridge had 10 digs and five service aces.

Alicia Palm contributed seven kills.

“The girls played very well,” Coach Eric Trowbridge said. “We were able to slow their attack with aggressive serving and great defense all night. My girls are very good at changing things up on a day to day basis, which is very good this time of year.”

Trowbridge said he and his staff would have to study Jenkins to prepare Saturday’s game plan. Jenkins lost three times to Lakeland before winning the district and regional championships.

“We do not, as of now, know much about George Jenkins. We will put together our game plan and come in (today) and Friday ready to work,” he said. “At this point, a lot is just executing. We feel that we are kicking in on all cylinders, we are very good. It should be a lot of fun.”

The winner of Saturday’s match advances to the Class 7A state tournament at Osceola Heritage Park Nov. 18.

Harmony advanced to the semifinals by defeating Osceola in last week’s quarterfinal round.

The only other county volleyball team to get this deep in the playoffs was the the 1989 Osceola Kowgirls, under Charlene Lackey, who reached the sectional finals.