By Kyle LoJacono
The Steinbrenner volleyball team has been one of the most consistent in the Tampa Bay area this season, but things went awry during the Class 7A regional semifinals.
The Warriors (24-5), who lost just 18 sets this season entering the contest, fell to Clearwater 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 24-26, 15-7 at home on Nov. 8. Steinbrenner coach Jennifer Graham said it was a tough loss because the squad committed a lot of mistakes.
“It wasn’t our best game, so as a coach it’s frustrating to see us go out when you’re supposed to be peaking,” Graham said. “They know it and that’s why it hurts them so bad right now.”
Graham said emotions were running very high during the match, which may have led to some of the 58 total errors.
“It was just an emotional rollercoaster,” Graham said. “Really I’m at a loss for words about what the emotion was.”
Things started promising for Steinbrenner. After taking the first set, the Warriors jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the second thanks to five aces from senior outside hitter Miranda Powell and a kill by sophomore rightside hitter Rachel Mathison, but a plethora of errors derailed the chance to go up two sets.
Tornadoes (14-6) senior outside hitter Nikki O’Rourke, who finished with 22 kills and 21 digs in the contest, began to put pressure on Steinbrenner’s defense in the third set. On the flip side, the Warriors’ outside hitters Madison Seuzeneau and Powell posted 21 kills combined.
“Usually one of our outside hitters is on, and lately when they’re both on it’s a beautiful thing and I think we’re unbeatable,” Graham said. “Both of them were off. Our freshman middle hitter Lauren Heldt was on tonight for the first time. She was just connecting, and she’s going to be something to watch.”
Heldt finished with eight kills.
Steinbrenner rebounded to claim a hotly contested fourth set, but the momentum did not carry over. Clearwater jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the fifth and was helped by six straight errors by the Warriors to stretch the lead to 13-3.
Steinbrenner’s season ended on a soft, fluttering kill by Tornadoes rightside hitter Sarah Case that just found the back right corner.
“We capitalized on their mistakes,” said Clearwater coach Kara Betourn. “We played them earlier this season and they are a very good team.”
Seuzeneau finished with 12 kills, while Powell and Mathison added nine and seven, respectively. Junior middle hitter Baylee Hooker posted five blocks.
Four Warriors recorded double-digit digs. Senior libero Cary Anne Bame led the way with 14, Mathison kicked in 12 and Powell and sophomore setter Casey McLean contributed 10 each.
Despite the way it ended, Steinbrenner did set a program record by winning 24 matches this season. It also showed the squad can maintain a high level of play even after losing seven seniors from last year.
“I’ve got so many sophomores and freshmen,” Graham said. “Physically they’ll just grow and get stronger. It’ll be nice to see them continue that during the next few years. It’s going to be a heck of a team when we get back together next August.”
The Warriors will have to find replacements for three graduates — Bame, Powell and rightside hitter Audrey Clifford. Graham said each brought something special to the team the last few years.
“Cary Anne brings a comfort to the team,” Graham said. “She’s a constant on the court. She’s our go-to player on defense. When she’s there we’re confident. She’s just a pleasure to coach and to have on the team. Miranda stepped up with leadership this year and really grew as a young woman. I think it was a great thing for her to help lead this team. Audrey didn’t get to play as much this year, but she really worked hard at being a leader. There’s not just the on the court, there’s the off the court she added to us there.”
Bishop McLaughlin falls in three
The Bishop McLaughlin volleyball team’s season was ended by familiar opponent Tampa Prep 25-8, 25-19, 25-19 on Nov. 8 in the Class 3A regional semifinals.
It is the third time the Hurricanes (16-9) have lost to the Terrapins (16-11) this season, following straight-set defeats in the regular season, district tournament and regionals.
Bishop McLaughlin was led by senior outside hitter Jess Johnson’s 10 kills.
