BELLEVIEW, Fla. — The Leesburg High School volleyball team pulled off a stunning upset in the District Tournament quarterfinals, defeating fourth-seeded Belleview 3-1 on Tuesday night to keep their season alive. The fifth-seeded Lady Jackets showed resilience, bouncing back from a second-set collapse to secure the victory.

Leesburg edged out Belleview in a nail-biting first set, 25-23, but the Rattlers responded by dominating the second set 25-13, seemingly grabbing momentum. However, the Lady Jackets refused to back down, storming back in the third set to win 25-19, taking a 2-1 lead.

With momentum firmly on their side, Leesburg capitalized in the fourth set, outlasting Belleview 25-21 to secure the 3-1 victory and advance to the semifinals.

Senior standout Alexis DeLand led Leesburg throughout the night, continuing her stellar season as she inches closer to the 100-kill mark. Sophomore Kaleigha Crews made her presence felt at the net, adding to her team-leading total of 17 blocks. Setter Ella Prater, the driving force behind the Lady Jackets’ offense, contributed with 237 assists this season, orchestrating key plays that kept Leesburg in control.

With the upset win, Leesburg faces a daunting task tonight as they take on top-seeded Gainesville in the semifinals. A win would send the Lady Jackets to the district final, where they would face the winner of the Lecanto-Vanguard semifinal.

The victory over Belleview was a major confidence booster for the Lady Jackets, but they know the road ahead will only get tougher.

Leesburg will need to stay focused and continue their stellar teamwork as they prepare for their biggest test yet this evening.