Fontainebleau outduels SSA in classic battle

Fontainebleau’s Lady Bulldogs (41-2) outlasted the St. Scholastica Academy Doves 20-25, 25-20, 25-17, 23-25, 17-15 in a district finale thriller Thursday at SSA. With the victory, the Lady Dawgs capped off their second consecutive unbeaten district title going 12-0. FHS went 14-0 to capture last year’s title.

FHS senior hitter Jessica Guttierrez turned in a superb performance with a match-high 30 kills to spark the Lady Dawgs’ hitting attack. Guttierrez also served two aces. Caitlyn Auxilien topped FHS with 23 digs.

FHS coach Danny Tullis in his fourth season with the Lady Bulldogs said it was a good feeling winning the second consecutive district title.

“SSA played extremely well and they were able to keep us out of system for most of the match. I was happy that our girls were able to find a way to make some key plays to scratch out the victory. SSA was battling for every point,” Tullis said.

Tullis praised the play of Guttierrez.

“Jessica really carried us during the match. She came up with some key plays offensively down the stretch,” Tullis added.

Tullis said Delaney Pittari delivered two finesse points at the end of the match to secure the Lady Bulldogs 17-15 victory in game five.

SSA (23-15), which finished 9-3 in district, tied Mandeville for second place. Camille Walther turned in a strong effort for the Doves with 14 digs, 12 kills and four blocks. Meghan Clark dished off 36 assists. Kristi Harrison delivered nine kills, while Christina Wurm generated seven kills and added five blocks. Monique Giarrusso contributed 12 digs and served five aces, while Gabby Braud added nine digs.

SSA head coach Danny Davis said his club put up a great fight.

“The team played extremely well. They played with a lot of intensity and energy. We made the most of every opportunity,” Davis said.�