Jacksonville Fl- Mandarin Volleyball outlasted Hurricane Milton and all the other Duval county public schools to win their 3rd straight Gateway Conference Volleyball championship.
The Mustangs went 3-0 in the tournament without dropping a set along the way. They defeated First Coast 3-0 on Tuesday 10/8 and then took a break for Hurricane Milton. The Mustangs then defeated Wolfson on Saturday 10/12 and came back later that day to defeat Atlantic Coast who upset #2 seed Fletcher and complete their 3-peat.
Mandarin wins The Gateway Conference Volleyball championship, their 3rd year in a row @DuvalSports @MHSsportszone pic.twitter.com/2Kqx0ZZH6m
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) October 12, 2024
The Mustangs were led by a pair of senior Outside Hitters Paige Wind and Macie Dubois who combined have 443 Kills on the season. Senior setter Bella Gomez leads the Mustangs with 353 Assists and Junior Labero leads the team with 341 Diggs.
The Mustangs used a total team approach for the Semifinals and Finals getting contributions from Senior setter Naylim Andrews and Junior Madi Cady along with Sophomore Outside Hitter Kyla Hollis and Junior Middle Blocker Rayna Joquin.
The Mustangs started their District Tournament with a 5th meeting against Atlantic Coast, the Mustangs improved to 6-0 vs the Stingrays taking all 14 of 15 sets that the two Rival schools have played.
On Thursday, Mandarin defeated Creekside 3-1 to win the Class 7A District 1 Championship. Creekside took set one 25-21. Yet Mandarin responded with three straight wins 25-18, 25-23, and 27-25 to take the title. It was revenge for last season’s 3-0 district loss to Creekside.
Mandarin is District 7A-1 Champions!! @DuvalSports @MHSsportszone @MandarinVolley pic.twitter.com/BvSZSneBek
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) October 18, 2024
The Mustang’s togetherness and genuine love for each other should served them well as they look to make a run in the State Playoffs. Last year, the Mustangs fell to Timber Creek 3-0 in the first round. They are a more experienced team this year, and head coach Daniel Magnusson and staff have navigated a 19-5 season.
2024 FHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championships 7A FHSAA Girls Volleyball
