Dade volleyball preview: Lourdes aims for first state title plus Westminster seeks return
The Lourdes’ volleyball team broke through to historic ground for its program the past two seasons by advancing to the regional finals in back-to-back seasons.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats, each of those seasons ended with painful defeats against state powerhouse Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
Two things figure to work in Lourdes’ favor this season.
One is that after two seasons with only two seniors on the roster, the Bobcats bring back one of their most experienced squads ever led by 14 upperclassmen.
And two, Lourdes moved down to Class 5A. St. Thomas Aquinas did not, remaining in 6A.
The Bobcats figure to be ready to take on a new potential road to state led by senior 6-1 opposite hitter Olivia Guzman, a Tampa University commit.
Guzman will try to lead Lourdes to its first ever berth in the state final four and perhaps more. She’ll be joined on this journey by senior outside hitter Ella Garcia, junior setter Jenna Acosta, junior outside hitter Sophia Gonzalez, junior libero Ellie Muniz Jr. and sophomore middle hitter Alexa Espin.
Beyond Lourdes, there are multiple Miami-Dade County teams which have a chance to get to the state finals in Winter Haven on November 4-9. Here’s a look at them.
BACK TO STATE?
▪ Westminster Christian figures to remain the strongest among the county’s teams overall as it returns the bulk of the squad, which advanced the program to its fifth consecutive state final.
Senior outside hitter and Missouri signee Zoey Matias and junior outside hitter Gigi Artiles, a Georgia commit, are at the forefront of the Warriors’ lineup once again. The two teamed up during beach season and led that squad back to the state tournament as well.
Adding depth to Westminster’s lineup are junior outside Lia Gonzalez, junior setters Alex Washington and Chloe Garcia and junior utility Cassie Thomas.
▪ Gulliver Prep won its first ever state championship last season with a 29-3 record, but lost seven seniors including star outside hitter Jackie Taylor, a University of North Carolina signee.
Senior outside hitter Julia Rose Rivera (5-9) is among the Raiders’ top returners along with sophomore Kate Welty. Brianna Napoles, a 5-7 sophomore outside hitter, sophomore 5-3 libero, Mia Lavalle, both transfers from Doral Academy, should bolster their lineup.
BREAKTHROUGH SEASON?
Riviera Prep have made it to regionals 10 consecutive seasons, but last made it to the state final four in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018. The Bulldogs might have their most talented squad since that season, and hope to challenge for a trip to state in Class 2A.
Senior setter Melissa Gonzalez, the reigning Miami Herald 7A-5A Player of the Year, transferred in from Doral Academy. She’ll be joined by Cornell recruit Sydney Zanca 5-10 outside, 5-5 setter Bailee Casas, junior 6-3 middle hitter Annmarie Perez, a USF commit, junior outside hitter Emilia Kouri and 6-3 middle Mariel St. John, who has been offered by Tulane.
COACHING CHANGE
Divine Savior had a coaching change as Jorge Perez took over after a successful tenure at St. Brendan, which included a berth in the state final four in 2022. Perez takes over for Matt Willems, who remained on as the school’s athletic director. Willems led the Sharks to a state title and multiple district titles over the past decade. A group led by junior libero Kayla Lopes and junior outside hitters Ruth Martinez, Sasha Kawas and Luiza Bergamaschi.
TEAM OUTLOOKS
▪ Ransom Everglades (25-6, 3A regional finalist) returns All-Dade outside hitter Julia Lewkowitz, a 5-10 senior, as they challenge the field in Class 3A. Senior 6-1 outside Mia Jeanclaude, senior libero Addison Pollock and senior setter Lindsay Ng join her.
▪ Palmer Trinity (11-11, 3A regional quarterfinalist) returns senior 5-7 outside hitter Giovanna Colima and senior setter/middle hitter Malena Sluman. They will be joined by Doral transfer Ainhoa Molleja, a 5-11 junior outside hitter.
▪ St. Brendan (14-11, 4A regional quarterfinalist) is entering its first season under new coach Ruben Sainz. The Sabres will be led by juniors Isabella Quijano, Sophia Travieso and Danica Argote.
▪ Coral Reef (18-10, 7A regional quarterfinalist) will be led by junior outside hitters Allison Pedroso and Daniela Dobal along with senior libero Emily Gomez and senior right side Mia Gonzalez.
▪ Palmetto (14-11, 7A regional semifinalist) is hoping to make a deeper postseason run this season led by several returning players. Senior middle hitter Sienna Lawrence, a Bethune Cookman signee, highlights the group. Junior outside hitter Julia Schmidt and senior setters Mylie Sanchez and Ava Graziano will also play key roles.
▪ Mater Lakes (16-12, 4A regional quarterfinalist) remained in 4A and hopes to battle for a trip to state. Senior Sydney Wilson, a 5-6 opposite, and 6-2 junior outside hitter Sophia Bermudez lead the way for the Bears.
▪ Monsignor Pace (15-8) is led by senior 6-1 right side Mariyana Cardwell and senior 6-0 outside hitter Carra Pierre-Louis. Junior 6-0 outside hitter Aaliyah Bernard should bolster the Spartans’ lineup.
▪ True North (17-10, 2A regional quarterfinalist) is aiming to make a run to state in Class 2A. Sophomore 5-11 outside hitter Dayleen Valdes leads the Titans along with senior 6-1 middle Gaby Miriki and sophomore outside Veronica Fumero.
▪ Southwest (15-14, 6A regional semifinalist) is led by senior 5-5 libero Nohelia Lacayo, junior 6-1 outside hitter Sarah Lewis and junior defensive specialist 5-6 Emily Lopez.
▪ South Dade (8-9) will be led by sophomore outside hitter Catalina Mora and sophomore libero Danai Coats along with junior middle Audrina Kilburn.
▪ Carrollton (17-9) is led by senior 5-9 setter Luciana Lee, senior 5-3 outside hitter Priscilla Fernandez and senior 5-4 libero Camilla Huck.
▪ Varela (5-11) hopes to revitalize its program under new coach Gabriela Chilet. She will rely on sophomore outside hitter Audrey Zelaya, and seniors Mariana Carruitero and Abigail Nunez to lead the way.
▪ Reagan (14-9) is led by sophomore outside hitter Samira Persad, senior setter Jennifer Buaiz and senior outside hitter Kristina Moreira.
▪ Braddock is led by senior setter/outside hitters Joliessa Perez, Gabriella Hurtado and senior outside hitter Nataly Ruiz.
▪ Colonial Christian (17-2) is led by senior outside hitter/setters Alaina Long, Michelle Loynaz and Adrianna Haponuk.
This story was originally published August 22, 2024 at 2:01 PM.
