The Montverde Academy girls volleyball team tested themselves against some of the top programs in the state this past weekend, competing in the Florida Gem High School Classic in Tampa on Friday and Saturday. Playing in the High School National bracket, the Eagles put together a strong showing, advancing into the Silver Bracket before finishing the tournament with a 3-2 overall record.
On Friday night in first match of pool play, MVA opened with a hard-fought match against powerhouse Steinbrenner High School, falling 1-2 (17-25, 25-19, 10-15). Gabi Carvalho led the way with 7 kills and 3 blocks, while Bianca Baquerizo contributed 4 kills and 2 blocks. Natalia Baquerizo and Mirea Thederahn each added 4 kills, with Thederahn also recording 2 blocks.
The Eagles bounced back in their next two matches to secure a spot in the silver bracket. Against Harvest Community, the second game of pool play, the Eagles earned a 2-0 sweep (25-19, 25-22) behind strong efforts from Bianca Baquerizo (7 kills, 2 blocks) and Natalia Baquerizo (7 kills). Amelie Jenkins added 4 kills and 3 blocks to round out a balanced attack.
MVAÂ closed out Friday with a tight 2-0 win over Lakewood Ranch (25-23, 26-24). Bianca Baquerizo paced the team with 8 kills and 2 blocks, while Natalia Baquerizo posted 7 kills and 3 digs. Mya Tyson also stepped up at the net, finishing with 4 kills and 3 blocks.
The Eagles carried that momentum into Saturday's Silver Bracket play, defeating Poinciana Christian Academy 2-0 (25-21, 25-15). Carvalho again powered the offense with 7 kills and 2 blocks, while Bianca Baquerizo added 5 kills and Tyson chipped in 3 kills.
In MVA's fifth and final match of the weekend, the Eagles fell against Bloomingdale High School, dropping a 0-2 decision (15-25, 18-25). Bianca Baquerizo tallied 4 kills and Carvalho finished with 3 kills and 3 blocks in the effort.
With the weekend's results, Montverde Academy now holds an 8-4 record on the season. The Eagles are back in action this Tuesday against The Villages, starting with the junior varsity match at 4:30 pm, followed by the varsity match at 6:00 pm.
