MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — Two of Northeast Florida’s top volleyball teams delivered a match worthy of the hype Thursday night.
Middleburg and Ponte Vedra battled through five competitive sets, trading momentum throughout the night before the Broncos finally pulled away in the deciding set for a 21-25, 25-14, 29-27, 23-25, 15-12 victory over the Sharks.
It was the most competitive back-and-forth volleyball match of the young season to date, with both teams showing the talent, toughness and determination expected from two Top 5 programs.
Middleburg improved to 3-1, while Ponte Vedra opened its season at 0-1.
The night started with Middleburg sophomore Abigail Grybb, a 6-foot-4 presence at the net, making an immediate impact.
Grybb got the Broncos started with a kill set up by Allie Anschuetz, giving Middleburg an early 1-0 lead.
Ponte Vedra quickly answered when Vivienne Woodbury delivered a kill, set up by Jenna Hahnemann, to tie the score. It was an early preview of the battle that would continue throughout the match between Grybb and Woodbury.
Ponte Vedra’s Lily Keeley then used her own impressive height to make an impact at the net, scoring on a block to cut into Middleburg’s lead at 8-7. The Sharks eventually moved ahead 9-8 before Middleburg answered.
Katelynn Laezza came through for the Broncos, giving Middleburg a 10-9 advantage.
The first set remained tight until Ponte Vedra made its late push. Lexie Ward gave the Sharks a 21-19 lead, and Woodbury helped close the door as Ponte Vedra captured the opening set, 25-21.
Middleburg responded with authority in the second.
Isabella Mestas helped the Broncos build a 12-7 advantage, and Middleburg continued to control the set from there. Laezza delivered another big swing as the Broncos dominated the second set, winning 25-14 to even the match at one set apiece.
Then came the third set.
Both teams traded points in an intense battle that featured long rallies and outstanding defensive effort. Ponte Vedra’s Brianna Rihlmann kept the Sharks alive with a tremendous diving effort, sacrificing her body to keep the ball in play.
Woodbury continued to shine for Ponte Vedra, helping the Sharks establish a 13-10 lead.
Later, Khloe Murray extended Ponte Vedra’s advantage to 21-18.
But Middleburg refused to go away.
The Broncos continued to fight for every point before Laezza finally ended one of the most dramatic sets of the night, delivering the deciding point in a 29-27 Middleburg victory.
Middleburg had taken a 2-1 lead, but the match was far from over.
The fourth set once again became a battle of wills.
Middleburg received major contributions from Maysie Bader, who helped the Broncos maintain their advantage early. But Ponte Vedra came roaring back.
Ward put pressure on the Broncos with her serving, helping the Sharks move ahead 23-21.
Then Woodbury did what she had done throughout the night — deliver when Ponte Vedra needed her most.
Woodbury finished the fourth set for the Sharks, completing the comeback with a 25-23 victory and forcing a fifth and final set.
The match was tied 2-2.
The fifth set provided one final opportunity for both teams to claim the win.
Middleburg’s victory was built on the type of team effort that often decides matches this competitive. Bader, Reese Forkum, Sophie Butler and Cora Housman were among the Broncos who made important plays and sacrifices throughout the night.
And when Middleburg needed points at the end, its biggest weapons delivered.
Grybb continued to provide a reliable presence in the middle, using her 6-foot-4 frame to attack above the net. Bader battled in the middle, while Laezza provided the finishing punch on the edge.
Grybb said afterward that her approach at the net is simple — her coach tells her to “see ball, hit ball.”
That mindset paid off.
Middleburg ultimately closed out the fifth set, 15-12, securing a thrilling five-set victory over Ponte Vedra.
The match also showcased two of the area’s brightest young stars in Grybb and Woodbury. The two put on a show from opposite sides of the net, repeatedly answering each other with big swings and timely plays.
For Middleburg, the victory provides an early-season statement and another confidence-building win against a quality opponent.
The Broncos now turn their attention to another difficult matchup against Trinity on Sept. 1.
Ponte Vedra will look to bounce back when the Sharks face Nease on Sept. 1.
If Thursday night was any indication, Northeast Florida volleyball is in for a special season.
And with both Middleburg and Ponte Vedra showing this level of competitiveness this early, this certainly will not be the last time these teams put on a show.
