Montverde Academy girls volleyball staged a determined comeback against one of Florida's top teams before falling to DeLand in a five-set thriller.
After dropping the opening two sets, the Eagles responded by winning the next two to force a decisive fifth set. MVA battled until the final points before DeLand escaped with a 3-2 victory by scores of 25-20, 27-25, 18-25, 21-25 and 15-12.
DeLand entered the match ranked No. 3 in the state across all classifications, and No. 79 nationally in the latest MaxPreps poll.
MVA's comeback was fueled by its defense, with Eva Bardales and Talia Alqawasmi repeatedly keeping rallies alive against DeLand's powerful attack. Bardales recorded 21 digs and 24 serve receptions, while Alqawasmi stepped into an expanded role and contributed 13 digs, 21 serve receptions and six assists.
Suhmer Henriques delivered an outstanding all-around performance, leading the Eagles with 16 kills while adding four blocks, three service aces, 20 digs and 17 serve receptions.
Natalia Baquerizo and Bianca Baquerizo each finished with 14 kills. Natalia added five blocks and three digs, while Bianca contributed three blocks and four digs.
MVA also established a strong presence at the net. Janiyah Miller and Mya Tyson recorded seven blocks apiece as the Eagles worked to slow down DeLand's talented hitters.
Kristina Vargas directed the MVA offense with 32 assists while adding nine digs and two service aces. Leticia Cordeiro contributed 19 assists and two digs.
Despite coming up just short, the Eagles demonstrated their resilience by erasing a two-set deficit and pushing one of the state's highest-ranked teams to the limit.
The MVA junior varsity team earned a 2-0 victory over DeLand, winning by scores of 25-15 and 25-20. The Eagles improved to 4-3 on the season with the win.
Both MVA teams return to action Friday and Saturday at the Florida Gem High School Classic, held at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
