Jacksonville Fl- Senior Paige Wind has been on fire to start the season for her team. She has led Mandarin in kills with 26 in just seven sets played. She has a 68.4% kill percentage in three games and Mandarin is killing the competition. The Mustangs have started out 3-0, looking to repeat their early season success from last year where the team started the season 8-0.
Their early success in 2024 has been attributed to serving percentage (82%) and minimal serving errors. Coach Daniel Magnusson and staff have been able to field a team that is efficient in execution, which has allowed them to systematically dismantle teams. Isabella Gomez leads the team in assists (23) and serving with 8 aces.
In the dig department, Julia Howard leads the team with 31. Naylim Andrews, Ashley Blair, and Rayna Joquin all have contributed mightily to a team that has played together to accomplish a common goal. It’s a tribute to their unselfish play, and their togetherness.
One area that Mandarin may need to improve on his defense at the net. With just 6 total blocks on the season, Mandarin will have to rely heavily on their digs and athleticism from that stand point. Still, the Mustangs have not allowed this to prevent them from finding unique ways to win.
They started the season with a 3-1 win over Bolles (2-1). They then defeated Stanton 3-0. While coming back home to defeat rival Atlantic Coast 3-0 on Tuesday. They face a Creekside (2-1) team whose only loss came to powerhouse Bishop Kenny. So the matchup should be a good one.
Mandarin will continue to ride high and blow where the wind takes them. If they keep playing strong volleyball, they can go even further than last year’s start, and power through the middle of the season. Something they struggled to do last year with a 3-game losing streak. They intend to correct that and keep the winning streak going.
Photos by Paul Simpson of Strikeout Photography
