Familiar Focus

The Sarasota Christian volleyball team not only capitalizes on strength in numbers but strength in the same numbers — its roster is virtually unchanged from last season.

With all 11 varsity players returning from last year’s squad, which reached the regional quarterfinals, the Lady Blazers felt confident heading into this season.

The players’ familiarity with one another is evident on the court; the team can work on more advanced systems while relying on one another for support.

Sarasota Christian has posted a 14-3 record so far this season with three matches remaining on the schedule.

“I feel like this year everyone is a lot more comfortable with the game and each other,” senior Brianna Eddy says. “We know how to keep each other focused and (know) each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

After suffering its first loss of the season at the end of August in the Southeast Tournament, where it went 4-1, the Lady Blazers rallied together and went on to win their next seven matches.

Sarasota Christian has only lost two matches since then — both of which came down to five sets.

“As a team, we’ve come together really well,” says senior Lexi Miller, who returned to the team this season after taking last year off. “We all get along and are coming together as a family. We depend on each other and are able to hold each other accountable, which works out nicely.”

Sarasota Christian’s success hinges in large part on its players’ athletic talents. Unlike many teams in the area, whose players play volleyball year-round, the vast majority of Sarasota Christian’s players play two or three other sports throughout the year. Rather than spending the offseason playing club volleyball, many of the players play basketball and softball for the Lady Blazers; both teams advanced to the Final Four last season.

“We have a very athletic team all around,” senior Heidi Miller says. “When we come back into the season, we go right back to where we left off. Our coach has been impressed because we come back stronger even though we don’t play year-round.”

Sarasota Christian coach Mitch King agrees.

“Participating in multiple sports helps keep the girls fresh by giving them a variety of sports, coaches and teammates,” King says. “The more success they achieve in one sport leads to them being more motivated and enthusiastic in their next season.”

Having already clinched the No. 1 seed in the district tournament, which begins Oct. 21, the Lady Blazers have their sights set on capturing the Class 2A-District 9 championship for the first time since 2012, when they advanced to the regional finals.

Although Sarasota Christian has been the top seed in the district tournament the past couple of years, the Lady Blazers have been unable to get past Southwest Florida Christian in the district championship game — a feat the team is hoping to change after already beating Southwest Florida Christian twice this season.

If Sarasota Christian wins its district semifinal, the team will more than likely play Southwest Florida Christian for the district title Oct. 23.

“It’s hard to beat a team three times,” Heidi Miller says. “We know it comes down to consistency. We know we can beat them again. We’ve just got to keep it up. I’ve been happy with the way we’ve played so far. It’s been a great year.”

SCS 2014 Volleyball Roster
Heidi Miller
Cheyenne Miller
Annika Jensen
Mackenzie Lantz
Brianna Eddy
Lexi Miller
Nicole Miller
Taylor Miller
Jeslyn O’Shea
Andrea Wittmer
Kaylynn Snyder

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].