Going into the Citrus League, the girls varsity volleyball team faced some tough competition, including Windermere Prep, Bishop Moore, Montverde Academy, The First Academy, and Lake Highland Prep. However, the team overcame all odds and ended up winning the district tournament, beating Orangewood Christian 3 sets to 1. The girls continued to advance, until eventually losing in the regional semifinals against Trinity Catholic.
After being cut short last year, the team entered the season trying to make a deep run in the postseason. The biggest victory in the regular season was when the girls beat Lake Highland, last year’s state champions.
“It was a great team win and it strengthened our team morale going forward into the season,” Sophomore Bianca Whatts said. “It really boosted our confidence knowing that we beat them.”
The regular season ended in a 9-4 record for the Saints, finishing 2nd in the Citrus League. Last year, the Saints were 20-9 and lost in the second round of the playoffs to Florida State University High.
“It was a really tough loss because we had worked so hard that season and to get cut short like that, it hurt,” Whatts said. “We didn’t let it get to us and instead we came back this season and worked even harder.”
Since then, the team has changed and improved their game.
“The middle and outside hitters have really improved, as well as both setters,” Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach Terri Kruczek said. “We lost our best defender and leader in the back row to graduation last year, but we’ve got a few really good passers making up for it.”
Because of COVID-19, fans were not allowed to come and spectate this season. The teams had to play in a gym with an empty student fan section and find a way to get through these challenges.
“We really feed off of the crowd’s energy at our home games so to take that away this season was challenging,” Senior Jordan Hardy said. “We made up for it by having a loud bench and cheering for each other on the court.”
Even though the team lost in the regional semifinals they believe that they can do better next year and they are proud of how far they got this year.
“It was a really hard loss, but I am still proud of our team because we worked so hard and improved a lot since last year,” Junior Isa Otero said. “I know we will keep working hard and come back even better next year.”
