Twin hitters Natalia Baquerizo and Bianca Baquerizo recorded 13 kills apiece and the Montverde Academy girls volleyball team defeated McKeel Academy of Technology 3-1 in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 FHSAA Class 3A regional championship on Tuesday evening at The Nest.
The No. 3-seeded Eagles earned the victory over No. 6 seed McKeel by scores of 25-21, 25-21, 20-25, 25-18, improving to 14-12 this season.
MVA advances to the regional semifinals on Saturday, October 24, 2 p.m. at No. 2 seed Academy of the Holy Names.
Bianca Baquerizo delivered an efficient offensive performance, finishing with 13 kills and just one error on 23 attempts for a .522 hitting percentage. Natalia Baquerizo added four digs and eight service receptions to her 13 kills.
Suhmer Henriques contributed 12 kills, four service aces and 23 service receptions. Gabi Carvalho recorded eight kills, while Amelie Jenkins and Mya Tyson added five kills each.
Libero Eva Bardales anchored the defense with 24 digs and 28 service receptions. Kristina Vargas posted a double-double with 25 assists and 12 digs, while Leticia Cordeiro finished with 17 assists and seven digs.
The win by MVA marks the third year in a row that the Eagles eliminated McKeel Academy from tournament play. The past two years MVA beat the Wildcats in the semifinal round, before beatng them in the quarterfinal round this time.
