By: Ross Van De Griek
1. Wharton (1-0)
Last Week: Won at East Bay (3-0)
This Week: vs Plant (Tues.), vs Strawberry Crest (Thu.)
The Wharton Wildcats volleyball team got off to a solid start to their season, defeating East Bay in 3 sets. Wharton senior outside hitter Deborah Rodriguez & middle blocker Jamie Koopman each had 6 kills in the win last week.
2. Bishop McLaughlin (1-0)
Last Week: Won vs Tampa Catholic (3-0)
This Week: @ Coral Shores (Wed.), @ Marathon (Wed.), @ Key West (Fri.)
The nationally ranked Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes looked like a legit state contender last week, sweeping Tampa Catholic in 3 sets. FSU commit Audrey Koenig led the way with 20 kills in last week's 3 set win over Tampa Catholic. Bishop McLaughlin head volleyball coach Doug Chinchar called this week "A team bonding experience", as they are spending the week in the Florida Keys.
3. Plant (0-1)
Last Week: Lost at Hagerty (3-0)
This Week: @ Wharton (Tues.), vs Newsome (Thu.), vs Oviedo (Fri.) (Circus City Invitational)
The Plant Lady Panthers volleyball team despite losing to state contender Hagerty last week, didn't drop very far in this week's rankings. Plant's schedule doesn't get any easier as they are hosting 3 state contenders this week. Plant head volleyball coach Vanda Todorovic on challenging schedule to start the season. "We have to play these teams if we want to get to Fort Myers again." Plant is trying to find a new leader on the court, after they lost Camryn Vogler who is now at Florida Atlantic.
4. St. Petersburg (1-0)
Last Week: Won @ Shorecrest Prep (3-0)
This Week: vs Seminole (Tues.), vs Dixie Hollins (Thu.)
The St. Petersburg volleyball team got their season off on the right track, as they defeated the reigning Class 4A state champions Shorecrest Prep in 3 sets. St. Petersburg junior outside hitter Kate Youmans led the way with 15 kills last week. St. Petersburg's Nicole Robison had a team high 4 aces along the way.
5. Newsome (1-0)
Last Week: Won vs Brandon (3-0)
This Week: vs Bloomingdale (Tues.), @ Plant (Thu.)
The Newsome Lady Wolves got their 2019 season off to the right start, as they defeated Brandon in 3 sets last week. The Lady Wolves were led by junior middle hitter Chloe Adams, junior outside hitter Lindsay Adams & sophomore Alexa Kosmopolis.
6. Mitchell (2-0)
Last Week: Won vs Freedom (3-0) & Won vs Gaither (3-0)
This Week: @ Gulf (Tues.), @ River Ridge (Thu.)
The Lady Mustangs volleyball team hasn't yet to drop a set this season, as they were led by senior libero Marysa Connors, sophomore Jordan Moore & freshman middle blocker Ava Connors.
7. Calvary Christian (1-0)
Last Week: Won vs Palm Harbor University (3-0)
This Week: vs Tampa Catholic
The Lady Warriors cruised to a 1-0 start to their 2019 season, by defeating 7A Palm Harbor University in straight sets last week. Juniors Cathryn Long & Sophie Mahaz both contributed in the win. Calvary Christian head volleyball coach Kim Whitney on her team. "This might be the most talented group of girls I've ever coached."
Calvary Christian is one of the favorites to head to Fort Myers in Class 3A.
8. Steinbrenner (2-0)
Last Week: Won @ Strawberry Crest (3-1), Won vs East Lake (3-0)
This Week: @ Bloomingdale (Thu.), vs Nation Ford (SC) (Fri.), vs Fort Pierce Central (Fri.), vs Cardinal Mooney (Fri.)
Steinbrenner has cruised through their first 2 matches of the season, with wins over Strawberry Crest & East Lake. Steinbrenner sophomore outside hitter Nina Moorer is averaging 11.5 kills/match so far through the first 2 matches. Steinbrenner senior Pamela Delgado has 8 aces to led among servers this season.
9. Berkeley Prep (2-0)
Last Week: Won vs Brooks-DeBartolo (3-0), Won vs Tarpon Springs (3-1)
This Week: vs Palm Harbor University (Fri.)
The Berkeley Prep Lady Buccaneers after having a down year in 2018, could be back to the elite team they displayed in 2017, which led to the Class 5A title. The Lady Buccaneers are led by junior middle blocker Camryn Carlo who has 20 kills so far on the season. Sophomore Ava Swain leads the team with 7 serving aces this season.
10. Sunlake (1-1)
Last Week: Won @ Anclote (3-0), Lost vs East Lake (3-0)
This Week: vs Cypress Creek (Tues.)
The Sunlake Seahawks will look to respond after a tough defeat to East Lake last week. The Lady Seahawks are led by senior Caroline Schoonover, junior Brette Heymann & senior middle hitter Cydnee Reimann. The Seahawks have just one lone game on the schedule this week.
On The Bubble: East Lake (3-1), Land O'Lakes (2-1), Nature Coast (2-0), Osceola (3-0), Tampa Catholic (1-1)
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