In the opening beach volleyball match of the season, the line one court featured a battle of college signees: Palm Beach Atlantic and Mercer University commits for Hagerty versus Lake Howell’s UCF signee.
The varsity beach volleyball team posted a clean sweep, going 5-0, over Lake Howell in the season opener on the home courts on Monday, Feb. 23.
After advancing to the Elite Eight last season before falling in the state tournament, the Huskies entered the new year determined to build on that postseason success.
The home courts set the scene for a strong start to the season.
“I love opening the season with a home game,” Coach Juanita Hitt said. “The girls get to have familiarity with their own courts in front of a good crowd. Some of the players had a lot of nerves, so just getting out of the first match jitters at home makes for a great start.”
With goals of districts, regionals and a state run in mind, the team emphasized chemistry and adaptability throughout the preseason. Practices included competitive reps and switching up partner pairings to prepare for different match situations.
“Mixing and matching with other players when people are absent allows us to develop better,” senior Sophia Wattles said.
Hitt said the flexibility gives the team more options during competition.
“We’re preparing so we can get a little bit tricky when needed,” Hitt said.
This includes strategically playing with blockers and being ready when a ball is returned defensively to immediately kill it. Combining key play options with positive team chemistry led to a dominant performance on Monday.
The highly anticipated line one matchup went to three sets. Hagerty claimed the opening set 21-14 before dropping the second 19-21, then responded with a decisive 15-7 win to secure the court.
Line two and four delivered dominant straight-set victories, with line two winning 21-8 and 21-6 and line four taking both sets 21-8 and 21-7. Line five rebounded after losing its first set 17-21, closing out the match with 21-9 and 15-4 wins to complete the sweep.
Senior Allyson Leach described a focus on playing in the moment while knowing these are some of the last times the seniors will play together, including final matches with her partner Mikayla (KK) Miessler.
“KK and I have been friends for so long that we already have good chemistry, and it’s always fun playing with her,” Leach said.
Other senior players include Jenness Orcutt, Isabella Ferretti, Bella Cruz and Sophia Wattles.
Senior and underclass players describe a variety of team rituals, including praying together and getting Starbucks before matches, to help them enjoy the season and keep focused on their on-court goals.
“We were really hyped going into the game and after,” Leach said. “Beating them five to zero was really exciting, so we’ll be carrying that energy forward throughout the season.”
With key matchups ahead, including a match at Lake Brantley on March 12th, Hitt reports plans to stay focused on intensive practice and positive energy throughout the season.
“I want the players to work hard, be patient with themselves and have fun,” Hitt said.
