Ranking eighth in the state and 18th in the nation, and with a record of 8-0, beach volleyball is on a roll.

For the fifth consecutive year, the team won the SAC championship, defeating Lake Howell on April 11, 5-0. The winning pairs were Ally Leach and Mikayla Miessler, Eva Woolm and Layla Miller, Lila Thomas and Isabelle Peloso, Sophia Wattles and Isabella Ferretti and twin sisters Alyssa and Alexis Zimmerman. 

The team credits their success to the preparation before matches, both in and out of practice. During practices, the team focuses on serving aggressively, giving them an advantage and allowing serving runs to gain momentum. Line four Sophia Wattles had a serving run of four, which was key to her win with scores of 21-15 and 21-19. Defense is also a main focus, as it is the foundation for all rallies, with lots of drills done involving touches. 

“We practice[d] passing, which allows us to get a lot of balls up and get good plays,” Wattles said. 

Outside of practice, the team has many traditions to prepare for their match. Freshmen Lila Thomas and Isabelle Peloso focus on team communication and bonding in the locker room to promote good energy on the court. Junior Ally Leach always takes a nap, ensuring she is rested and all of her muscles are ready to go. Wattles and junior Bella Ferretti rely on a caffeine boost. 

“Our tradition is to go to Starbucks before our games. It is a good way to stay refreshed and energize, [and] it also gives us time to bond outside of volleyball, helping our chemistry on the court,” Ferretti said. 

In recent beach volleyball news, Leach committed to Palm Beach Atlantic University to pursue her passion for beach volleyball. She has played beach volleyball for four years and is the libero on the varsity indoor girls volleyball team. 

“I was interested in PBA, it has a beautiful campus, and I love everything it offers. It took me a while to receive an offer from them, and I am really excited to be a part of their program,” Leach said. 

Up next, the girls will be away at Orangewood Christian on Tuesday, April 15.

They will then compete in the 3A District 3 quarterfinals on April 21 at Seminole, with the semifinals and finals on April 23. They will play with one goal—win the state championship. 

“I’m really excited for postseason and I think we’re going to do really well if we keep bringing on the energy and having fun,” Leach said.