High School Volleyball Teams Shine in State Tournament

Sarasota – The Cardinal Mooney volleyball team displayed remarkable resilience during their Class 3A-Regional 3 state semifinal match against Calvary Christian. After dropping the first set, the Cougars rallied back to win three consecutive sets, ultimately earning a 3-1 victory with set scores of 18-25, 26-24, 25-19, and 25-13. This win sets them up for a regional final match on Tuesday, where they will face either Berkeley Prep or Kings Academy.

After losing the opening set, the Cougars, under the guidance of head coach Allen Knight, adjusted to the Crusaders’ game plan. “We are very proud of the girls and how they adjusted,” Knight highlighted, emphasizing their focus on ball control and transition to offense. Key players for the Cougars included Sydney Sparma with five kills and 16 assists, Riley Greene who contributed 10 kills and 22 assists, and Izzy Russell, who had 10 kills and 32 assists. Their strong performance enabled the team to slow down Calvary’s offensive power through effective blocking and defensive plays.

Meanwhile, the Venice High volleyball team also celebrated a significant victory. They defeated Winter Haven 3-1, with set scores of 25-21, 20-25, 25-17, and 25-20. This triumph advances the Indians to the regional championship match against the defending state champion Plant. Star player Summer Kohler stood out with 26 kills and 16 digs, showcasing a strong offensive presence.

In addition, Seacrest Country Day cruised to a 3-0 sweep over Sarasota Christian in their Class 1A-Region 3 title match, winning with set scores of 25-9, 25-11, and 25-12. Led by Sami Soderlund and Adriana Garcia, the Stingrays established an early lead and never looked back. Their excellent teamwork and focus allowed them to control the match and secure their place in the semifinals.

As the postseason continues, all these teams are striving for success and are looking forward to their upcoming matches in pursuit of a state title.