Westminster volleyball eyes repeat; Mater Lakes, Lourdes try to win first titles
Westminster Christian finally snapped its girls’ volleyball indoor state championship drought.
Mater Lakes and Lourdes reached the state finals for the first time ever.
It marked the first time that three Miami-Dade County programs walked away with at least a state runner-up trophy in the same season.
And those three programs and others might be ready to top it this season.
WARRIORS WIN
After five consecutive state runner-up finishes, Westminster Christian finally cleared the last hurdle and won its first state title since 2016 and third overall.
Winning back-to-back titles for the first time in program history is a distinct possibility.
The Warriors are led by a core of six seniors, who know nothing but advancing to state every season they’ve played on Westminster’s varsity squad.
Gigi Artiles, the Miami Herald’s Co-Player of the Year in both indoor and beach volleyball, returns to lead the group. Artiles is a Georgia commit and should provide plenty of versatility once again in Westminster’s lineup.
While the Warriors graduated longtime standout Zoey Matias, they also expect a big season from the core group of Lia Gonzalez, Chloe Garcia, Alex Washington, Cassie Thomas and Alyana Cadavid.
Westminster remains in likely the toughest region in South Florida and one of the toughest in the state.
The Warriors will again have to contend with four of Dade’s best teams in Divine Savior, Riviera Prep, Palmer Trinity and True North come playoff time.
MATER RELOADS
Mater Lakes graduated Miami Herald Athlete of the Year, Sydney Wilson, but reinforced its roster with talent including 6-foot outside hitter Jada Costanza, a transfer from Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy. Costanza earned All-Broward first team honors last season, and is committed to Jackson State University.
Lakes coach Emilio Urgell says his team is “three-deep” at every position on the court and experienced enough to challenge the best in Class 4A once again.
Senior 6-1 opposite Sophia Bermudez is among the team’s top returning players, along with 5-8 sophomore outside Milana Correa, 5-4 senior setter Antonella Maldonado and 5-4 senior libero Abbie Vazquez.
BOBCATS BACK IN THE HUNT
Lourdes made it to the state finals for the first time last season before losing to formidable Tallahassee Chiles in three sets.
The Bobcats return 10 players including eight on varsity from that squad, giving them a solid chance to make another bid for the Class 5A crown.
Lourdes graduated longtime starters Olivia Guzman, a Tampa University signee, and Ella Garcia. But the Bobcats are led by senior and three-year starter Sophia Gonzalez, who is committed to Bryant University. Senior setter Jenna Acosta is a four-year starter and the program’s all-time assists leader.
Lourdes is also expecting a big season from sophomore outside hitter Juliette Vazquez-Bello.
MORE OUTLOOKS
Gulliver (18-8, 3A state semifinalist) is looking to advance to state for the third consecutive season and win its second state title in three seasons. The Raiders graduated their top player, Julia Rose Rivera, but return a strong core led by junior setter Brianna Napoles and junior outside hitter Kate Welty.
Divine Savior (23-5, 2A regional finalist) came up one victory short of reaching the state final four in Class 2A, losing to eventual state champion Miami Westminster Christian in straight sets. The Sharks return one of the most experienced teams they’ve ever had as they try to win their first state title since 2018 and second for their program.
Senior 6-1 outside hitter Ruth Martinez leads the group along with junior outside hitter Sasha Kawas, who played for the Honduran national team over the summer. Senior libero Kayla Lopes and senior siblings Fernanda and Luiza Bergamaschi are also back.
Riviera Prep returns a loaded squad eager to prove it is ready to challenge for the Class 2A state championship. The Bulldogs are coming off a 19-6 season, which ended with a loss to Divine Savior in the regional semifinals. A pair of Division-I commits, 6-3 senior middle hitter Annemarie Perez (USF) and 6-2 senior middle Mariel St. John (Tulane), lead the group. Senior libero Camila Busque, who was invited to a premier camp in Brazil that was run by former Olympic athletes, is a player to watch.
Palmer Trinity (16-8, 2A regional semifinalist) played Westminster tougher than any other local team in the playoffs, winning a set and battling close before losing in four. The Falcons will be led once again by Tampa University commit Ainhoa Molleja, a 5-10 senior outside hitter. Daviana Herrera, a 5-7 senior outside hitter, and Bryanne Sullivan, 6-foot senior middle, complement their lineup along with promising sophomore 5-7 setter Bianca Blanco.
True North (17-10, 2A regional quarterfinalist) is looking to build off last season’s playoff appearance, which ended with a five-set loss to Palmer Trinity. The Titans bring back an experienced group led by 6-1 junior outside hitter Dayleen Valdes and 5-8 junior middle hitter Veronica Fumero, a first team All-Dade selection in beach volleyball. Seniors Giuliana Guerrero (5-8 right side), Margaret Soto (6-foot middle) and Bianca Gomez (5-7 setter) add depth.
Coral Reef (23-5, 7A regional semifinalist) should still be among the strongest Dade teams in the 7A bracket with the return of senior outside hitters Allison Pedroso and Daniela Dobal. Senior setter Amanda Augsten and junior middle Chelsea Dryer add depth to the group.
Ransom Everglades (17-10, 3A regional semifinalist) is coming off a strong season, but will be much younger. The Raiders are still talented though and counting on a new group led by 5-10 freshman outside Abigail Zichella and 5-7 freshman setter Nalah Pichetti. Junior 5-11 middle Sarah Wals brings experience to the group.
Monsignor Pace (21-5, 3A regional quarterfinalist) lost in four sets last season to Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian. The Spartans return a strong group led by 5-11 senior middle Jordyn Smith, who has committed to Texas A&M Corpus Christi and is the fourth Division-I signee in recent years for their program. Joining Smith are seniors Serenity Jackson, a 6-foot middle, Aaliyah Bernard, a 5-11 outside, and Tiffany Mirabal, a 5-6 libero.
Miami Country Day (13-9, 2A regional quarterfinalist) is aiming for another district title led by sophomore outside hitter Rachel Luis. Senior libero Ashley Geller and senior setter Vanessa Londono are also back.
Florida Christian (14-12, 2A regional quarterfinalist) returns five starters including 5-8 senior outside Skye Williams and 5-10 senior middle Jenna Cuadra. The Patriots lost in the first round last season to Divine Savior.
Doral Academy (12-13, 7A regional semifinalist) took a step back last season after advancing to the state final four in 2023. The Firebirds are a younger group this year, but are led by a talented core of sophomores. Isabella Frometa, a 5-11 middle hitter, 5-8 setter Amy Smith, 5-7 defensive specialist Daniela Aguilar and 5-9 outside hitter Marcela Carmona highlight that group while senior right side Mica Velez adds experience.
Coral Gables (18-6, 7A regional quarterfinalist) returns four starters including All-Dade 6-foot senior outside hitter Bianca Benson. She, along with 5-9 junior outside Natasha Macau, 5-7 senior setter Corina McDanal, and 6-2 senior Isa Cruz, hope to lead the Cavaliers on a deeper playoff run.
Mater Academy (16-14, 6A regional semifinalist) is aiming for another playoff run, led by senior outside hitters Angie Benoit (5-5) and Sofia Tovik (5-7).
Palmetto (14-11) is aiming to return to regionals this season and will rely on a pair of seniors in 6-3 outside Julia Schmidt and 5-8 outside Giuliana Gaitan to do it. Freshman 5-10 middle AnaLucia Alvarez and 5-8 sophomore libero Carmela Rosenburg show promise.
Ferguson (8-10) is also looking for a return to playoff form led by 6-1 junior outside hitter Elynn Guzman, 5-10 senior middle Mianah Titus, sophomore setter Samantha Oliva and 5-8 sophomore outside Denise Gonzalez.
La Salle (18-6) is led by senior outside hitter Mia Groom, senior setter Sofia Dean, senior outside hitter Sara Montaro and junior right side Alexandra Gonzalez.
TERRA (9-14, 5A regional quarterfinalist) made the playoffs last season despite going under .500, and expect even better results this year. Senior 5-9 outside/middle Amy Valdes, junior 5-7 outside hitter Madeleine Lopez and 5-10 sophomore outside/middle hitter Angelina De La Torre add depth.
Carrollton (12-13) are regrouping with a young squad led by 5-7 junior outside hitter Isabella Morris, 5-5 senior libero Valeria Jimenez-Maydon, 5-6 junior defensive specialist Isabella Whitby and 5-10 junior outside hitter Megan Smith.
Reagan (15-9) graduated eight seniors and will rely on 5-6 senior outside hitter Valeria LaRosa and 5-7 senior outside hitter Sabrina Bou to keep the Bison in contention.
Goleman (18-8) will be led by senior 5-10 outside/middle hitter Kiersten Joy and 5-4 senior setter Adriana Cuarezma.
Varela (7-12) will be led by junior 5-5 outside hitter Audrey Zelaya, sophomore 5-7 outside hitter Valentina Carruitero, junior 5-9 middle hitter Giovanna Hernandez and 5-3 junior setter Joselyn Rodriguez.
Don Soffer (6-10) is led by junior outside hitter Sofia Azeredo, sophomore outside hitter Nicolette Kaniaris, junior setter Fiorella Funes and freshman middle hitter Sofia Caldas.
Homestead (6-10) is led by 5-7 senior outside hitter Leilani Rivero and 5-6 senior setter/opposite Alicia Addison.
