Mandarin v. Oakleaf
7A District 1 Matchup of two of its best teams. This game had playoff implications written all over it. Mandarin proved too good for Oakleaf in this matchup, winning in straight sets. The games always started out close until Mandarin pulled away off Oakleaf errors.
Oakleaf had some bright spots throughout these matches and can lean on that moving forward in the tournament and for the rest of the season. Oakleaf can lean on senior standout Bryanna Parrett and junior Jalana Hope. Mandarin dominated the game on the shoulders of sophomore Ellie Jackson and senior MiKaiah Bingham.
Yulee v. Clay
In this northeast Florida matchup of Clay versus Yulee, Yulee was able to knock Clay off in straight sets. Clay was overpowered early by the Yulee Hornets. Only 4 games into the season the Clay Blue Devils are still working out sets and attacks to be able to pull out their second win on the season. Yulee looked strong in their attack, netting 8 service aces in the 2nd set. Yulee was led by senior Emily Sheperis, netting 4 kills during the Yulee run of 17 straight points
Christs Church v. University Christian
The best match of the night and my favorite one so far this season. Christ Church is no stranger to going deep into the season, as they did in 2017 when they won the 3A State Championship. One player that was on that team is now a senior and Liberty University commit Julie Magnum. University Christian took the first set after a scary comeback late in the set by Christ Church.
Most teams would’ve rolled over after losing the first set after a hard-fought comeback but not this team. They proved themselves worthy in the second set keeping the lead from the very beginning. University Christian seemed to have no answer for Magnum when she got up to the front line. University would drop the final two sets and Christ Church would go on to claim the victory.
Trinity v. Thompson (AL)
Thompson came down here with winning on their mind and that they did. Trinity is one of the best programs in Duval County for volleyball so far this season with only losing one game. The young roster of the Trinity Conquerors was not ready for Thompson when they hit the court.
The team from Alabama came out swinging hard and never trailed to our hometown team. Trinity would go on to lose this match in straight sets but had solid play from junior outside hitter Amaya Ross and sophomore outside hitter Ally Carter. Trinity will need others around them to step it up for tomorrows bracket play if they want to go deep into the tournament.
Northeast Florida Teams – Day 1 Scores
Bishop Snyder
L (0-2) v. St. Augustine
L (1-2) v. Fernandina Beach
Christ’s Church
W (2-0) v. Paxon
W (2-1) v. University Christian
Clay
L (0-2) v. Yulee
L (0-2) v. Father Lopez
Columbia
L (0-2) v. Oviedo
L (0-2) v. Hilton Head Academy
Creekside
L (0-2) v. DeLand
W (2-0) v. Sneads
Fernandina Beach
W (2-0) v. Terry Parker
W (2-0) v. Bishop Snyder
Fleming Island
L (1-2) v. Spruce Creek
W (2-0) v. Holy Trinity Episcopal
Mandarin
W (2-0) v. Oakleaf
W (2-1) v. Newberry
Oakleaf
L (0-2) v. Mandarin
W (2-0) v. Providence
Paxon
L (0-2) v. Christs Church
W (2-0) Effingham
Providence
W (2-1) v. Newberry
L (0-2) v. Oakleaf
Ridgeview
W (2-0) v. Hilton Head Academy
L (1-2) v. Oviedo
Sandalwood
L (0-2) v. Father Lopez
L (0-2) v. Yulee
St. Augustine
W (2-0) v. Bishop Snyder
W (2-0) v. Terry Parker
Stanton
L (0-2) v. Savannah Christian Prep
L (0-2) v. Brookwood
Terry Parker
L (0-2) v. Fernandina Beach
L (0-2) v. St. Augustine
Trinity
L (1-2) v. Glynn Academy
L (0-2) v. Thompson
University Christian
W (2-0) v. Effingham
L (0-2) v. Christs Church
Yulee
W (2-0) v. Clay
W (2-0) v. Sandalwood
