Tessa Conkling helped lead Coral Glades High School girls' varsity volleyball to its first win this early season over Piper.

The 5-foot-8 middle blocker is in her junior season. She played junior varsity volleyball her first season and varsity the past two.

A team captain, Conkling was a setter last season, moving to middle blocker this season.

Coral Glades Coach Liz Dase said: ``She is a good leader on the court. She is an excellent hitter. She's got a lot of passion.

``She is also a really good person and tries to bring up her team. She is an excellent student. She's just a good kid.''

Conkling plays club volleyball for Wildfire 17s Elite. She is also involved in the early childhood development program at school and is active in her church in the community.

• Miramar d. Dillard 25-13, 25-18, 25-14: Ashley Jocelyn 2 aces, 4 kills, 18 points; Chelsey Walsh 1 ace; 5 kills; Breanna Chevolleau 2 kills, 10 points. For the Panthers, Janine Alexander 10 points, 1 ace; Darnella Faison 5 points, 3 blocks; Alexis Brown 6 points; Sadie-Ann Bailey 8 points, 2 kills.

• Hallandale d. Dillard 25-18, 25-17, 25-22: Maria Alvarez: 6 points, 1 ace; Evelyn Espinal 11 points, 2 aces, 2 assists; Angie Feeney 2 kills, 4 points; Alia Johnson 5 points; Delcia Johnson 1 kill, 8 points; Evenie Sam 1 point.

• Sagemont d. Coral Springs Christian 26-24, 25-6, 25-19: Pilar Irarrazabal 18 points, 11 aces, 7 kills, 8 assists. For the Crusaders, Aubrey Seeger 16 assists; Gabby Nicoletta 4 aces, 3 kills, 5 digs, 31 points; Mary Ashley Keene 6 digs, 7 points.

GROENEVELD SWITCHES

HATS AFTER VICTORY

So what does Kaylee Groeneveld do after helping lead the Calvary Christian School girls' varsity volleyball team to a big win over North Broward Prep?

She becomes the water girl for Calvary's varsity football team.

Four days after losing a home match to a very good North Broward Prep team, the Eagles took to the road and beat North Broward Prep in a close match 26-24, 26-24, 25-19. Groeneveld, a 6-0 senior, had a lot to do with the turnaround.

``There was not a lot of pressure on us the second time,'' she said. ``There was more pressure on them since they were home, and we already knew what they looked like. We knew we could win.''

Calvary coach Dan Weppner said: ``The team really grew up that day.''

He added: ``Every time we play North Broward Prep, it's tough. They're tough.''

Weppner is involved with Boomers Volleyball Club, led by standout North Broward Prep coach Terri Jimenez. Weppner has a lot of respect for Jimenez, and the feeling is mutual.

Calvary's talent also features Debbie Gordon, Christine Lakatos, Daylyn Weppner, Stephanie Taylor and Jessie Wilkie and defensive specialists Jen Fluty, Gabby Pyle and Jen Wilkie.

• A few days later, Groeneveld was spotted on the sidelines, filling water bottles and distributing them to players on the Calvary football team. She helped the Eagles defeat South Carolina-Southside Christian 37-14 at Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale.

Calvary volleyball will play a strong Westminster Academy team this season, and Weppner will celebrate birthday No. 50 in another matchup against North Broward Prep.

Groeneveld also competes for the new Tribe Volleyball Club, which is spearheaded by Douglas coaches Dean and Marci Barbozi.

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