High School Volleyball Teams Shine in State Tournament

Sarasota – The excitement in the air was palpable on Saturday as local high school volleyball teams battled it out in the state tournament. In a thrilling Class 3A-Regional 3 semifinal match, the Cardinal Mooney Cougars executed an impressive comeback against the host team, Calvary Christian Crusaders, to secure their spot in the regional final. After dropping the first game, 18-25, head coach Allen Knight rallied his players, and they responded with gusto, clinching the next three games with scores of 26-24, 25-19, and 25-13, to win the match 3-1.

This victory puts the Cougars’ record at a remarkable 22-4, and they are set to face the winner of the semifinal match between Berkeley Prep and Kings Academy on Tuesday night at 7 PM. The Cougars previously triumphed over Calvary Christian with a close score of 3-2 last month. Coach Knight noted the adjustments his team made in response to the Crusaders’ strategy, emphasizing their focus on ball control and transitioning to offense. “It’s hard to beat a good team twice,” he said confidently.

In individual performances, several players shined throughout the match. Sydney Sparma led with five kills, 16 assists, and 12 digs, while Riley Greene propelled the team forward with 10 kills and 22 assists. Izzy Russell played a crucial role with 10 kills and 32 assists, showcasing the team’s well-rounded talent on the court.

Venice High School also made notable strides in the tournament, with their stunning victory over Winter Haven, winning 3-1 (25-21, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20) in the Class 7A-District 12 regional semifinal. This win elevates their record to 14-9 as they aim to take on the defending state champions, Plant, on Wednesday.

For Venice, Summer Kohler was sensational with 26 kills, and Brooke Gruhl contributed significantly with 39 assists, leading the team effectively during critical moments. Head coach Jay Lanham expressed pride in his players, attributing their win to improved serving and overall offensive performance.

In other matches, the Seacrest Country Day Stingrays decisively outmatched Sarasota Christian with a 3-0 sweep, while Riverview High’s swim teams demonstrated their dominance in the 4A-District 9 meet, winning titles for both boys’ and girls’ teams.

The spirit of competition is alive in Sarasota, with teams reaching for their dreams as the tournament progresses. More matches are on the calendar, and fans are eager to support their local athletes as they push towards the state championships.