Fleming Island continued its strong start to the 2026 volleyball season Tuesday night, sweeping Bishop Kenny 3-0 in a matchup that featured a dramatic opening set, dominant play at the net and a strong finish from the Golden Eagles.
The win was especially significant considering how competitive these two programs were during the 2025 season. Bishop Kenny entered last year’s postseason as one of the stronger teams in Northeast Florida and advanced through the FHSAA Class 4A playoffs. The Crusaders defeated Menendez 3-0 in the regional tournament and later defeated Wakulla 3-0 before their season ended with a 3-1 loss to South Walton in the state playoffs.
Fleming Island also established itself as one of the area’s top programs last season. By September 2025, the Golden Eagles were 8-2 and ranked among the area’s top teams. Their résumé included victories over Bolles, Fletcher, Mandarin, Ridgeview and Ponte Vedra. After losing to Bishop Kenny 3-1 in September, Fleming Island responded by defeating then-No. 2 Ponte Vedra 3-2.
That history made Thursday’s match more than an early-season contest.
Bishop Kenny came out with energy in the first set, taking an early 6-2 lead behind points from Maria Patelli and the Crusaders.
Fleming Island answered behind the steady play of Lillie Eason, who helped keep the Golden Eagles within striking distance as they trailed 12-11.
The momentum soon shifted.
Moe’ ono ono Aseta helped spark the Fleming Island comeback, and the Golden Eagles moved in front 20-16. Senior Lauren Brosky then delivered when her team needed her most, helping Fleming Island close out the first set 25-23.
The Golden Eagles carried that momentum into the second set.
Fleming Island quickly established control, building a 13-4 advantage. Zahaviah Sanders added a key block, while Eason continued to make an impact. Bishop Kenny’s Chloe Johnson helped the Crusaders stay competitive, but Fleming Island’s size and power proved too much.
Aseta continued attacking aggressively, and Fleming Island finished the second set with a convincing 25-12 victory.
The Golden Eagles refused to let up in the third set.
Eason helped Fleming Island jump out to a 6-1 lead, forcing Bishop Kenny to call timeout. Kaylee Clark then delivered a powerful spike as the Golden Eagles extended their advantage to 15-9. Fleming Island closed out the set 25-20 to complete the sweep.
Fleming Island’s size was a major factor throughout the match. Eason and Brosky both stand nearly six feet tall, creating problems for Bishop Kenny at the net. Brosky was especially effective, recording several aces while also producing multiple kills.
The Fleming Island High School outside hitter/opposite announced her verbal commitment to play Division I college beach volleyball at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida.
After the match, Clark said the Golden Eagles had been preparing for the matchup throughout the summer.
“The team has been practicing hard all summer preparing for this contest,” Clark said.The Fleming Island High School middle blocker and pin hitter announced her verbal commitment to play college volleyball at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. She will compete at the NJCAA Division I level for the Saints.
Aseta said the team’s aggressive approach came from playing for one another and embracing the opportunity to compete as a team.She recently traveled to Honolulu to participate in the elite No Ka Oi Volleyball showcase to gain visibility in front of college scouts.
Eason added that earning a three-set sweep in only the team’s second game of the season “feels really good,” and the Golden Eagles want to keep the momentum going.
The pin hitter and defensive specialist announced her verbal commitment to play NCAA Division I college volleyball at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Eason, a standout six-rotation player who has already surpassed 500 career kills for the Golden Eagles, is a member of the recruiting class of 2028.
Fleming Island opened the season with a 3-0 road victory over Providence before returning home to defeat Bishop Kenny. The Golden Eagles will face Ridgeview on Aug. 25.
Bishop Kenny falls to 1-1 after opening the season with a 3-0 road victory over Lincoln. The Crusaders will return home to host Spruce Creek on Aug. 26.
