Coral Shores proved to be a force to be reckoned with in 3A District 16 volleyball action this past fall. The ’Canes earned a winning 15-10 record, including a perfect regular-season record of 6-0 in district matches. Ranked third in the district brackets, Coral Shores knocked out Marathon, then the second-seeded team to earn a spot at the championship match. The Lady ’Canes brought home the runner-up trophy this season, and despite graduating several key players, the underclassmen earned plenty of playing time to season them for a strong campaign again in 2024.
Key West went 8-18 on the season, often playing larger schools in a series of tournaments to help elevate their level of play. The tactic helped the Lady Conchs knock out Killian in the first round of district playoffs but they were eliminated themselves by Gulliver, the eventual state champions. The team’s off-season dedication to improving via club play may just give the Conchs the extra boost they need to topple the giant next season and claim their own title.
Marathon struggled on the court this season, but still managed to win a pair of games. Their 2-16 record did not truly reflect numerous close matches and some fantastic individual performances.
Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger, Bert Budde & contributed images.
MVP
Brooke Mandozzi
Senior, Coral Shores
Brooke Mandozzi led Coral Shores in multiple areas of the game including hit percentage (.254) kills (153), digs (254), serve receipt rating (1.71), serve rating (2.63) and blocks (20). She was first for the ’Canes in every statistical area with the exception of total serve receives (228) and serving aces (52), in which she was second. Mandozzi was consistent in her gameplay and relentless in her willingness to do whatever it took for her team to win. She is described as highly coachable and has the uncanny ability to always come alive in key moments for the ’Canes. Mandozzi has worked hard to polish her skills, and when the intangibles, including her positive energy and infectious enthusiasm, are added in, she becomes the sort of player a team leans on for support and looks to for leadership.
Sofia Jans
Junior, Coral Shores
Sofia Jans led Coral Shores in serve receives with 273 and was second for the ’Canes in digs (185). Jans was also the top-ranked ’Canes player other than setters in assists with 26. Her coaches rank her work ethic and willingness to be coached as the qualities which help set her apart from other athletes.
Grace Leffler
Junior, Coral Shores
Grace Leffler’s off-season work paid off for the Hurricanes this fall. The junior was second for her team in hit percentage (.189), kills (85) and blocks (19). Like Jans, her coaches noted Leffler’s work ethic and coachability as her greatest assets.
Iona Holmquist
Senior, Coral Shores
Iona Holmquist was a jack of all trades for Coral Shores. The senior amassed solid stats including 52 kills, 66 serve receives, 74 digs, 7 blocks and a 0.94 hit percentage which ranked third for the ’Canes. Her coaches were grateful for her willingness to change positions, including trying several she had never played, when injuries plagued the team midseason.
Ivy Tiedemann
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Ivy Tiedemann amassed 231 assists and 53 aces, which ranked number 1 for Coral Shores this season. The sophomore setter also earned a serve rating of 2.43, a hit percentage of .113 and racked up 113 digs for the ’Canes. Tiedemann is described as a fierce competitor, helping to lead in all aspects of the Coral Shores defense.
Elena Eubank
Junior, Marathon
Elena Eubank is one of Marathon’s top athletes and it was apparent in her play for the Fins. The hard-hitting junior was willing to sacrifice herself for plays, amassing big digs and kills for Marathon all season long. Her jump serve is difficult to return and she is unwilling to give up, regardless of the odds or score.
Jordan MacDonald
Junior, Marathon
Jordan MacDonald stepped in for the Fins as setter and instantly upped the level of play for Marathon. The junior used her agility and speed to keep her team in the game for multiple matches this season. Her coach is excited to see what MacDonald has in store for her senior season.
Jasmine Keomaniboth
Sophomore, Marathon
Jasmine Keomaniboth used her speed and flexibility to benefit her team. The outside hitter was relatively new to the sport but was quick to learn and is described as coachable with a lot of athletic intelligence. Sadly, Keomaniboth moved out of state and will not return to the Fins, but her hard play and willingness to put in extra hours of practice helped set a precedent of excellence for players to follow.
Annie Scepkova
Senior, Key West
Key West’s deadliest middle hitter amassed 112 kills and 56 blocks at the net this season for the Conchs. Of those blocks, 31 were solo. With a hit percentage of .269, Scepkova was beyond effective defensively. She also earned 32 aces at the line this season, making her a threat offensively as well.
Bridgette Sweeney
Senior, Key West
Sweeney amassed impressive stats for any player, let alone one who has been battling an injury which resulted in less playing time. The outside hitter has impeccable form, which she combined with her strength to rack up 83 kills, 12 blocks and 18 aces this season.
Elise Warwick
Senior, Key West
The Conchs’ libero served as captain this season and added a spark of energy with her dynamic play style. Warwick hustled for 194 digs and earned 48 kills on the court this year, making her a strong asset for Key West’s defense.
Vicky Pavlik
Senior, Key West
Pavlik’s selfless style of play led to 199 assists this season for the Conchs. The senior setter scrambled for 72 digs to keep the play alive for Key West. Offensively, Pavlik earned 19 aces with her strong serving.
Reese Haggard
Junior, Key West
Conch setter Reese Haggard can be described as a true playmaker on the court. She is unrelenting, often going after balls which have no business remaining in play. Haggard was credited with 182 assists and 69 digs this season.
