'My team came out fighting': George Jenkins boys volleyball season ends after breakthrough
It was an invigorating experience for George Jenkins boys volleyball head coach Jena Ousley to advance to the Class 1A regional quarterfinals this week.
Ousley kept her sense of satisfaction despite losing 3-0 to Windermere on Tuesday. After all, it was the first time the program had made it this far, and in only its second season. in school history the program made it this far since the program has only been in existence for two years. Conversely, Windermere has been playing for seven years.
“My boys stuck with that team and made some phenomenal plays both defensively and offensively, showing me that we will continue to compete deeper and deeper into the regional and state tournament as our program develops," Ousley said. "My team came out fighting and showed Windermere that we were not going to be a walk in the park.”
On Tuesday, the Eagles started out blocking strong and passing precisely in serve-receive. All of George Jenkins were firing on all cylinders because of the passers playing well.
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“We had some stellar plays that brought tears to my eyes with how far our boys have come in two short years,” Ousley said. “I would not pick any other team to coach than these boys. They are truly a pleasure to coach, and I feel honored to be their coach.
But Windermere constantly kept the ball in play. Their defense dug up a lot of balls and George Jenkins was unable to side out, giving up some critical runs.
The Eagles finished with an 18-1 record in the regular season, and the future looks bright despite some key losses. George Jenkins will lose setter Max Radman, outside hitter Noel Rivera and middle blocker Reid Talbot to graduation.
Still, George Jenkins should return libero William Snell, who is arguably the best in Polk County. A stable of middle blockers will return, including Jacob Aca, who can hit from any position on the court. Captain Freddie Heid will be back to continue his effective leadership and offensive prowess, while right side hitter RJ Benion will come back to continue his offensive threat.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: FHSAA boys volleyball: George Jenkins' first regional run ends vs. Windermere
