The Ransom Everglades girls' volleyball team knew it had a difficult task ahead of it this season after graduating its entire starting lineup.

But led by their former backup setter Alex Levitt, the Raiders assured themselves of a better finish than last season by beating visiting Monsignor Pace 25-19, 25-17, 25-17 in a Region 4-3A quarterfinal Tuesday night.

Levitt, a senior, has been a part of four consecutive district championship teams at Ransom.

``Most of the kids that were on the floor in this match weren't even a part of the team's previous three titles,'' Ransom coach Roger Peluso said. ``But Levitt was the one kid involved that was training to be in this spot for the past three seasons. And now she's making a big difference.''

Levitt, who entered the match averaging 26.1 assists per match, recorded a match-high 28 as Ransom (18-9) took control from the outset and advanced to the regional semifinals for the first time in three seasons. The Raiders will travel to Hollywood Chaminade to play the Lions -- a team they lost to twice during the regular season -- at 7 p.m. next Tuesday.

``We had aggressive serving and that was able to take them out of their system early,'' Peluso said.

Junior outside hitter Emily Elkin finished with 12 kills, and junior hitter Viki Collazo had nine kills. Senior libero Corina Lorenzen had 10 service points and five aces.

Peluso credited Collazo, a left-handed outside hitter, for providing the Raiders a versatile option all season at the net.

Ransom also added new assistant coaches this season in former University of Miami star Ashley Woods, and former Palmetto assistant Jeff Schneider, a state champion as a player at Southwest High in 2003.

``Having them on the staff has made a huge difference in bringing along the new players,'' Peluso said.

GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL

• Region 4-3A quarterfinal -- Hollywood Chaminade d. Gulliver Prep 25-15, 25-22, 25-17: Brianna O'Neil had 10 kills, eight service points and two blocks to lead the Lions (22-6). Ashley Rey had eight service points, seven kills and six digs. Chantal Franzosa had eight service points, two aces and five kills.

• Region 4-1A quarterfinal -- Miami Christian d. Calusa Prep 25-15, 24-26, 25-13, 25-19: Andrea Garcia led Miami Christian (20-3) with 16 kills and eight aces. Nicole Beckleheimer finished with 13 kills and eight aces. Alexandra Marchese contributed 25 assists.

• Region 4-1A quarterfinal -- Redland Christian Academy d. Greater Miami Academy 25-12, 25-15, 25-19: Kaylyn Carr had 25 kills, four blocks, four aces and five assists to lead the Falcons (16-3) to victory. Karlee Carr added four kills, one block, seven aces and 31 assists, and Deedee Nelson contributed 10 kils, one block, two aces and one assist.

GIRLS' SOCCER

• American 3, Coral Gables 1: Jenny Hernandez had two goals for American. Kiara Rivera added one goal. Alyssa Kintana played good defense. AM 2-0-1.

• La Salle 6, Key West 0: Amanda Tinoco scored four goals for La Salle. Jessie Pelacio added four assists. Rebecca Mendoza recorded the shutout. LAS 1-0.

• Southwest 7, Coral Park 0: Vanessa Toledo led Southwest with three goals. Nicole Zamora added one goal and one assist. Jackie Seoane also had one goal. SW 1-9.

• Killian 8, Southridge 0: Erica Foreman, Rachel Kramer, and Danielle Horgan each had two goals to lead Killian. KIL 1-0.

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