High school roundup: Venice volleyball reaches regional final, visits No. 1 Plant Wednesday

SATURDAY

VOLLEYBALL

Venice 3, Steinbrenner 0

VENICE − If there is one area Brian Wheatley preaches, it is serving tough.

“We’ve got a lot of buy-in on that area of our game,” the Venice High volleyball coach said.

A four-year varsity letter winner, Jayda Lanham has been hearing that message over and over and over and over.

“For sure,” the Venice senior outside hitter said. “His biggest thing is serving and passing. He says serving and passing wins 80% of all games. It starts at the service line and tonight it really showed.”

Lanham and her teammates showed Steinbrenner High who is boss. Lanham served seven of Venice’s 17 aces in a 3-0 sweep of the Warriors 25-13, 25-15, 25-14 in the Class 7A-Region 3 semifinal Saturday evening in the final match of the season at the Teepee.

Venice (21-6) will hit the road Wednesday to face the No. 1 team in the state in Plant High at 7 p.m. in Tampa.

“We had a good game plan for Steinbrenner,” Wheatley said. “There were some great rallies going on. Our kids just took care of business.”

Even when second-seeded Venice did not record aces, it effectively took third-seeded Steinbrenner (15-10) out of its offense.

The Warriors, who lost to Venice in the regional quarterfinals a year ago, led 13-12 in the first set before Venice reeled off the final 13 points.

Venice found gaping holes in the center of the Steinbrenner defense that permitted middle hitters JaLynn Gardner (10 kills, 2 blocks) and Hilary Hupp (5 kills) to feast.

“JaLynn Gardner and our middles were crucial in that match,” Wheatley said. “It just opened everything up to our outsides.”

When the Warriors began to close the gap in the middle, Venice’s outside hitters took over. Junior Summer Kohler (13 kills) and senior Taylor Orris (11 kills, 3 blocks) began bombing away from the outside.

With at least a five point run in all three sets, Venice broke open set two with a couple of kills from Orris and Gardner during a 6-0 run.

Venice never trailed in the third set.

“Ever since our last game, that just flipped the switch.” Lanham said of Venice’s sweep of Newsome in the regional quarterfinals. “We all just got the eye of the tigers is what he calls it. We’ve been wanted it so much and working together to get it.”

“We were clicking on all cylinders tonight,” Wheatley said. “We were dialed in. Our team is playing the best volleyball of the year, and it’s at a perfect time.

“We had a lot of contributions from everybody. Most importantly, we’re pleased at the final result. Because at the end of the day that’s all that matters. In the playoffs, it’s the Dub. D-U-B.”

Venice will need a similar effort, if not more, Wednesday.

Plant, which defeated East Lake 25-17, 25-7, 25-8 in other semifinal, has been at or near the top of the Florida High School Athletic Association power rankings since it has been released Sept. 12.

Venice has made only one trip to Plant High for a regular season or playoff match, winning a five-set match in the 2007 regional final.

“Plant is going to be a fun one,” Lanham said. “I’m excited for it.”

Count on hearing the cheers of "Plant. Plant. Plant." from the home crowd.

“They’ve got an excellent program,” Wheatley said of Plant. “That coach (Plant first-year coach McKensie Herold) probably has a lot of pressure on her because she got handed the keys to the Corvette. I’m sure she feels a lot of pressure to do well.

“It’ll be a great match.”

Venice ended Plant’s season a year ago en route to its sixth state title in program history. The Panthers (22-3) own an 8-6 lead in the matchup with Venice.

Plant’s three losses are to Oviedo, Berkeley Prep and Carrollwood Day, which have a combined 69-16 record.

“It’s a fun time of year,” Wheatley said. “We get to have a Halloween practice Tuesday. There’s only a few teams in the state able to do that. We’re excited to do that.”

− Dennis Maffezzoli

Gulf Coast 3, Braden River 2

BRADENTON - A volleyball team perhaps can survive with a lack of focus and effort in the fifth match of the season and emerge victorious.

It’s a totally different story when it’s the regional semifinals, as Braden River learned once again.

The Pirates, the No. 2 seed, lost the first two sets to visiting Gulf Coast, the No. 3 seed. Braden River battled back to win games three and four, but in the deciding fifth set, it was the Sharks jumping out to an early lead and earning a spot in the Class 5A-Region 3 final.

Gulf Coast, who had never before advanced to a regional final, did so Saturday night with a 3-2 win over the Pirates, 25-23, 25-17, 20-25, 21-25, 15-8. Gulf Coast now will take on top seed Barron Collier on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for the opportunity to advance to the state’s Final Four.

For Braden River, it was its third-straight loss in the regional semis. This one, however, may sting a bit longer. The Pirate players, said head coach Matthew McElhiney, simply didn’t come ready to play.

“Our players just didn’t bring their level of focus and energy and effort on the court,” he said. “That team wasn’t anything overpowering. They played very consistently the whole time. Our go-to players, in my opinion, didn’t bring the level that we needed tonight.”

Braden River fell behind early in the first set before rallying to tie it at 21-all. But the Sharks got a point on a Pirate double hit, an issue for much of the night. The visitors then closed it out on a kill by Brooke Pierce, an ace by Gina Goldblatt, and a set-winning kill by Sophia Shultz.

In the second set, Braden River drew even with Gulf Coast at 11 before the Sharks five consecutive points. The Pirates got as close as three the rest of the way, but a block at the net by Pierce earned Gulf Coast the victory and a 2-0 lead.

It was more of us just not doing our jobs and being disciplined,” McElhiney said. “We didn’t bring a lot of energy we should have brought. It didn’t seem like they had the desire in the first two games.”

But in the third and fourth sets, energy was provided by junior setter Rilyn Stiegler. The Pirates won the third game after being down early, and in the fourth, all tied at 19-all, Ericka Freeman had a key kill and a tip at the net.

McElhiney was asked if his players might have felt pressure. “They’ve been here three times,” he said. “Nothing new. Three times in a row, you got to be able to figure that pressure out. That’s part of sports.”

In the tie-breaking fifth set, Braden River was tied early, but Gulf Coast got some critical points from Pierce and Juliette Van Wagner. The Sharks took an 11-5 lead and never looked back.

“I think we served extremely well,” said Gulf Coast head coach John Alvarez. “We kept (Braden River) out of system. They got some phenomenal hitters. We knew we had to serve aggressively. Everybody did their job. We definitely had moments where we struggled, but we knew what was waiting for us. This win means top eight in the state and on to the regional finals. It’s not the first time these kids have been pushed up against the wall. These kids just keep competing.”

For Gulf Coast, Pierce had 17 kills, Van Wagner 13, and Sophia Schultz 12. For Braden River, Brynna Sands had five kills, 21 digs, and 16 assists. Ryan Hinkle had 16 kills and 29 assists.

− Doug Fernandes

FRIDAY

VOLLEYBALL

Carrollwood Day 3, Cardinal Mooney 0

WEDNESDAY

VOLLEYBALL

Venice 3, Newsome 0

VENICE − The Venice High volleyball team has a number of players, eight to be exact, returning from last year’s state championship team.

Venice also had a number of newcomers who have not played in a win-or-go-home situation with their new team.

Until Wednesday night, that is.

Just say they all fit in nicely.

“They’re adapting really well,” Venice junior outside hitter Summer Kohler, a returnee from last year. “Everyone on our team has the drive to win. No one is scared.”

In its first attempt at a repeat state championship, a feat not accomplished during the Brian Wheatley era, Venice passed in flying colors.

Venice mauled the Wolves from Newsome High, 3-0, in the Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinal 25-14, 25-6, 25-11 at the Teepee.

Second-seeded Venice (21-6) will move on to the Sweet 16 at 7 p.m. Saturday at home against third-seeded Steinbrenner High, a 3-1 winner over Tampa Riverview.

Venice defeated Steinbrenner in the regional quarterfinals a year ago en route to its sixth state title in program history.

Playing the eighth-toughest schedule in the state has prepared Venice for just such instances.

“We’ve played really hard teams all year, so we’re used to the pressure,” Kohler said. “The new girls are definitely adjusting well.”

Turning in one of its finest performances of the season, the only time Venice trailed was 2-0 at the start of the third set. It responded with an 11-0 run sparked by two newcomers.

Two kills by Taylor Orris, a transfer from Lemon Bay High, got Venice even and two kills and two blocks by JaLynn Gardner, a transfer from Charlotte High, spearheaded the run.

“We did really well at keeping them down,” Kohler said of Newsome. “They’re a really good team if we let them back in. Every time we talked we said, ‘They’re a good team. We can’t let them back in.’ So we kept the foot on the pedal the entire game.”

Kills by Orris and Gardner, sandwiched around an ace by Jayda Lanham helped Venice score the first four points of the match to set the tone.

In its first-ever match against Newsome, Venice ended the first set with the final six points, the last two on kills by Kohler.

Ranked ninth in the state, fifth in a loaded Class 7A and second in Region 3 behind Plant out of Tampa, Venice also scored the opening four points of the second set. But it was a 13-0 run that followed that put the middle set out of reach.

“It was lights out tonight. We played lights out tonight,” Wheatley said. “We played three whole sets, which we’ve been gearing to all season long. We played a good, aggressive, clean match tonight.”

Kohler (14), Orris (11), and Gardner (7) combined for 32 of Venice’s 40 kills. Ferguson picked up 21 digs and Lanham 11. Kyla Freddolino (4), Lanham (3), Ferguson (3), and Carli Waggoner (2) teamed for all of the team’s 12 aces.

“Our passing was phenomenal tonight,” Wheatley said. “I didn’t see a ball hit the floor on defense. I’m a big defensive guy and defense wins the big game.”

“We won with an exclamation point tonight. We were very focused tonight. Championship teams are disciplined and give good effort. You saw both of those things tonight.”

− Dennis Maffezzoli

Braden River 3, Bonita Springs 0

BRADENTON − The underdog Bonita Springs Bull Sharks gave host Braden River their best shot in the first set of the teams’ Class 5A-Region 3 volleyball quarterfinal match on Wednesday night at Braden River High School.

But like so many underdogs in sports, the Bull Sharks’ best shot was their only shot.

Down 24-23 to the visitors in that first set, the Pirates rallied to win 26-24, then took the next two sets, 25-11 and 25-17.

Second-seed Braden River now will host third-seeded Gulf Coast on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the regional semifinal round. Gulf Coast beat sixth-seed Port Charlotte, 3-0, on Wednesday night in another quarterfinal match.

Unlike North Fort Myers, the Pirates’ foe in the district title match, which buckled in the first set of a 3-0 loss, the Bull Sharks’ spirited play seemed to catch Braden River off guard. The seventh seed did everything necessary to try to steal that first set. But a point away from taking the 1-0 lead, Bonita made a couple of unforced errors, and the Pirates capitalized and pulled out the 26-24 victory.

“I thought we had them, honestly,” said Bonita Springs coach Kristin Crudele. “Our girls played so well. (Braden River) scrambled, but, obviously, games two and three, we scrambled and they took advantage and it just wasn’t our best.”

“I thought Bonita Springs played really well (in the first set),” said Braden River coach Matthew McElhiney, whose team improved to 21-6. “They did a lot of good things on their side of the court. They kept the ball in play, and we made a couple of uncharacteristic plays. Playoff volleyball, we got to elevate, and they did at the end.”

The first-set win seemed to relax the Pirates in sets two and three. The Bull Sharks never seriously threatened in either one. Outside hitter Brynna Sands (5 kills, 19 digs) began to find her range, as did Rylee Hinkle (8 kills, 14 digs) and Aryanna Spainhower (8 kills, 15 digs).

“We didn’t give them any opportunities in sets two and three,” said McElhiney. “We did our job and our girls played really well. When we play at that level, we’re a tough beat.”

The Pirate coach said he was grateful his team got to face a complete opponent before Saturday’s semifinal round. It’s only now Braden River has started focusing on regionals.

“The only thing we really focused on was getting to districts,” McElhiney said. “We told them, ‘You can’t get too far in front. You want to keep the focus on what you have in front of you.'”

The Pirates also got 17 assists from Jayliah Elder and 12 from Mia Mcguire.

− Doug Fernandes

TUESDAY

VOLLEYBALL

Cardinal Mooney 3, Tampa Prep 0

SARASOTA − The last thing Chad Davis wanted was for his Cardinal Mooney Catholic High volleyball team to go to a fourth set with Tampa Prep.

The visiting Terrapins were gaining momentum by fighting off five match points in the third set.

However, two errors by Tampa Prep at the end resulted in a sweep for the Cougars.

Cardinal Mooney defeated the visiting Terrapins, 3-0, in the Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinals 25-23, 25-19, 28-26 Tuesday evening at Patterson Pavilion.

“No, for sure,” Davis said. “They’re an outstanding program.”

Class 3A-3 is considered one of the top regions in the state, if not the best.

“Any playoff round is like a regional final,” Davis said. “For our girls to show that resolve and to get a win, it’s so incredibly proud.”

The fourth-seeded Cougars (21-7) advance to the regional semifinals 7 p.m. Friday against top-seed Carrollwood Day (27-2) in Tampa.

Cardinal Mooney frustrated a talented fifth-seed in Tampa Prep with its serving, defense and play at the net.

And the Cougars’ youngsters shone brightly.

Davis pointed out junior outside hitter Piper Carson, freshman right-side hitters Sydney Sparma and Lauren Leach.

“Getting performances from youngsters in their first huge playoff game,” Davis said. “What gets lost with this team is its youth. To make it to the Sweet 16 in our class is unbelievable. We’re going to be very excited to be at practice tomorrow, knowing there are 15 other teams. You have a chance to go to the regional final with a chance to go to the Final 4 is pretty exciting.”

The Cougars served nine aces, four by junior Izzy Russell and one by junior libero Katie Powers (13 service points) to open the match and set the tone.

“That’s a big strength for us,” Davis said. “It’s the best serving team I’ve ever coached. They were huge tonight, minimal errors.”

Powers and junior defensive specialist Kate Montesano each picked up 14 digs from the Tampa Prep quality hitters and ignited the offense.

“Izzy, Katie and Kate were incredible back there,” Davis said. “It generates pressure and helps all phases of our game.”

From there senior Helena Hebda (18 assists) and sophomore Layla Larrick (13 assists) set up hitters Leach (team-high 11 kills), junior Riley Greene (10 kills, 2 blocks), Russell (7 kills), Carson (4 kills).

“Just an outstanding match against an outstanding program and team,” Davis said.

There were 28 ties and 15 lead changes in the match.

The first set was tied at 23-all before the Terrapins (17-12) made a couple of errors. Cardinal Mooney used a 7-0 run, fueled by two kills from Leach, to take control of the second set.

The Cougars led the third set 24-21 before Tampa Prep got even at 24-all. The set was tied at 25 and 26 before a net violation and a back-row attack ended it.

“That’s a lot of heart,” Davis said. “To be able to get through the first round in the toughest region in the state is incredible.”

GOLF DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS

(The top three teams and top three individuals not from those teams advance to next week’s regional tournaments)

Girls Class 3A-District 11

Team standings: 1. Lakewood Ranch 354, 2 Newsome 380, 3. Palmetto 408

Lakewood Ranch: Phoenix Scanlan 77, Emily Storm 83, Sierra Yeomans 88, Sabrina DiRubba 106, Emma Albert 106

Palmetto: Skye Foos 86, Mallory Stevenson 99, Sienna Gonzalez 105, Caitlin Cato 118

MONDAY

GOLF DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS

(The top three teams and top three individuals not from those teams advance to next week’s regional tournaments)

Girls Class 3A-District 12

AT: Waterford Golf Club

Team standings: 1. Venice 340, 2. Riverview 369, 3. North Port 437

Venice: Hayli Snear 73 (medalist), Ella Gardner 82, Camryn Davis 86, Allison Schapley 99

Riverview: Aida Benko 86, Alexandra Zawotny 90, Emily Fung 95, Hayden Maniglia 98

North Port: Savannah Morgan 103, Sabrina Earley 107, Taylor Stice 110, Autumn Matthews 118

Individuals: Makayla Chupka, Charlotte 105, Ella Kaskeu, Sarasota 109

Girls Class 2A-District 12

AT: Golf Hammock CC

Team standings: 1. Parrish Community 327, 2. Sebring 357, 3. Southeast 376

Parrish Community: Natalie Angelo 79, Avery Banfill 80, Stefani Cannon 84, Maya Kron 84

Southeast: Chloe Khang 86, Allison Steiner 92, Emily Steiner 98, Shannon Munger 100

Individuals: Taryn Nguyen, Braden River 77 (medalist), Rachel Gillis, Lemon Bay 84, Alexa Dziubek, Braden River 96

Girls Class 1A-District 11

AT: Laurel Oak CC

Team standings: 1. Out-of-Door 339, 2. Saint Stephen’s 375, 3. Cardinal Mooney 408

Out-of-Door: Madeline Crosby 72 (medalist), Brooklyn Cullen 81, Kendall Cassidy 89, Daisy Quintal 97

Saint Stephen’s: Tiffanie Tran 74, Sienna Cassella 90, Reagan Sisler 91, Gianna Hroncich 120

Cardinal Mooney: Jolie Pastorick 73, Kaitlyn Galvin 93, Ally Stavola 121, Izzy McCloskey 121

Boys Class 3A-District 11

AT: Summerfield Crossings Golf Club

Team standings: 1. Lakewood Ranch 289, 2. Newsome 310, 3. Palmetto 337

Lakewood Ranch: Parker Severs 70 (medalist), Luke Wilson 71, Josh Orgen 74, Max Colby Bendixen 74

Palmetto: Baden Wallace 78, Wyatt Sheman 80, Gavin Johnson 89, Jacob Schmidt 90

Individual: Brady Dahlman, Manatee 83

Boys Class 3A-District 12

AT: Heron Creek Golf and CC

Team standings: 1. Venice 305, 2. Riverview 308, 3. Sarasota 323

Venice: Kevin Mellen 72 (medalist), Lucca Brown 74, Ethan Hosein 76, Harrison Adams 83

Riverview: Justin Zullin 73, Jonas Moe 77, Kyle Souchak 77, Jayden Zhang 81

Sarasota: Jacob Menard 77, Jake Macdonald 79, Blake DeJongh 82, Evan Booth 85

Individuals: CJ Kemble, North Port 75, Miguel Guzman, Charlotte 79, Andrew Hynes, Charlotte 79

Boys Class 2A-District 12

AT: Rotunda - The Palms Course

Team standings: 1. Parrish Community 319, 2. Lemon Bay 325, 3. Sebring 326

Parrish Community: Alex Angelo 70 (lost medalist spot in 3-hole playoff), Tristan Pasch 71, Eli Dannehl 89, Cole Edson 89

Lemon Bay: Wyatt Seckel 78, Torey Miccio 80, Lucas Newsomb 82, Connor Murphy 85

Individuals: Caden Ganczak, Port Charlotte 76, Dakota Johnson, Southeast 79

Boys Class 1A-District 11

AT: Laurel Oak CC

Team standings: 1. Saint Stephen’s 297, 2. Cardinal Mooney 318, 3. Bradenton Christian 327

Saint Stephen’s: Alex Long 71, Eddie Gu 72, Chase Nicks 75, XiaoYi Li 79

Cardinal Mooney: Nicolas Bencomo 70 (medalist), Tommy Tyler 80, Stephen Peloquin 83, George McCloskey 85

Bradenton Christian: Colson Kragt 77, Grant McCall 77, Parker Hullinger 85, Mason Mgnelli 88

Individuals: Connor Clark, Out-of-Door 79, Jordan Pickens, Gulf Coast HEAT 79

− Dennis Maffezzoli

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: High school roundup (Oct. 23-28):