Perfection, for the girls beach volleyball team, has not been about dominance every match—it has been about consistency. Seven matches into the season, that consistency has translated into a 7-0 record.

The team completed its seventh straight victory with a 5-0 sweep over Oviedo. Despite the overall victory, two of the five courts went to three sets, forcing the team to earn the win. On line two, senior Jenness Orcutt and sophomore Isabelle Peloso dropped the opening set 21-17, but came back with a 22-20 win in the second set, and they carried that momentum into a 15-8 third set to win the game.

“It was a good game,” Orcutt said. “I had a lot of confidence going in, and I think our performances really showed how strong our team is.”

Line three had a similar battle, with sophomores Brielle Foscolo and Lila Thomas opening with a 21-19 set, before Oviedo responded with a 21-19 set. With the match tied, the pair finished with a close 15-12 that secured the win.

“It was nerve-wracking going into the third set, but I never doubted that we would win,” Foscolo said. “I’ve seen how good our team can do when we put our minds to it, and we’ve defeated Oviedo in the past, so I knew we would win.”

The victory over Oviedo extended their undefeated record, only encouraging the energy that has been there since the beginning of the season.

Beyond their rankings, the team’s success stems from their partnership. The chemistry among pairs, along with the trust across the entire team, has played a key role in maintaining their undefeated run.

“Partnership is a huge part. Me and my partner, Sophia, we’ll be laughing and trolling the whole game while we’re playing,” Ferretti said. “It’s fun, we don’t take it super seriously, and I think that’s what helps us stay calm and do good. ”

For each team, forming that connecting is essential to success on the court.

“You really have to put your trust in whoever you’re playing with,” Foscolo said. “I think bonding with your teammate and knowing they have your back is what pushes me so far. We’re not playing individually, we’re playing together.”

With only two players per side, each player has to be able to read the game not only for themselves, but also for their partner. By gaining a mutual understanding, the team has been able to take individual talent and turn it into a winning streak.

The season opened Feb. 23 with a 5-0 win against Lake Howell. Despite the win, the match still had its challenges, with two courts going to three sets. Seniors Allyson Leach and Mikayla Miessler on line one dropped the second set before closing out the match 15-7, while seniors Alexis and Alyssa Zimmerman on line five had to rally after losing their opening set, eventually securing their win 15-4.

“A win in the first game is a great way to get into a good mindset,” coach Juanita Hitt said. “The girls can build that confidence that helps them push in the later games, and that momentum just builds.”

Two days later, the team followed into another 5-0 win over Lyman, settling into the early-season rhythm. It was not until their third match that they faced their first challenge.

On March 3 against DeLand, the team earned a narrow 3-2 victory—the closest of the season. After dropping the first set 24-22, seniors Isabella Ferretti and Sophia Wattles on line four responded with a 21-18 win, before closing the match 15-10 to secure the overall win.

“I think, with each game, it’s just a stepping stone for what comes next,” Ferretti said. “We’ve all had a lot of confidence, and we’ve gotten to bond which helps a lot too.”

The moment helped shape the team’s mindset, motivating them to continue in their no-loss streak.

“Having those moments where, even if you know you’re going to win, you’re in a close game or have to go to a third set, you always get that thrill when you walk away winning,” Wattles said.

The next day, the team defeated Lake Brantley 4-1. Lines one and two set the tone with dominant wins, and line four once again stepped up in a three-set battle, winning 15-12 in the final set.

“Lake Brantley was definitely our hardest game,” Ferretti said. “We went to three sets, and it was super hot that day, and it felt like everything was against us, but we ended up pulling out the win.”

That confidence became even more apparent on March 11 in a 5-0 sweep over Lake Mary.

After a short break, the team returned on March 24 with a 4-1 win over Orangewood Christian. Although line three dropped a three-set match, the rest of the lineup headed straight set victories, maintaining the team’s perfect record into the Oviedo match.

Now, with an undefeated start behind them, the focus has shifted towards what comes next. Ranking fifth overall in Florida, the team looks forward to districts and states.

“Where we’re at, I think we’re carrying a lot of confidence,” Hitt said. “We usually make it to districts, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be giving it our all and training as hard as possible to get there.”

As the postseason approaches, the team hopes not only to continue their wins, but to continue the connections they have made throughout the season.

“I’m only optimistic about the upcoming season,” Orcutt said. “I’m excited to see how we perform, but I know we’re going to give it our all and do good no matter what.”