Lady Sharks Volleyball Team Off to 14-0 Start
After losing back-to-back national championship games to rival Florida SouthWestern State College, Lady Sharks head volleyball coach Origenes “Kiko” Benoit retooled his roster, adding 12 freshmen.
The talent infusion features players from Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago, four Colombians and three Brazilians.
They are jelling quickly. After a 14-0 start, including an impressive 3-2 win versus top- ranked Florida SouthWestern State College on Sept. 17, the Lady Sharks are currently the second-ranked team in the nation.
“The team has been able to click together very well. The freshmen came ready to give their best and help the team out in any way possible,” said Sharks assistant coach Daniela Tobar. “The second-year girls have been very helpful and have been able to connect with and guide the first-year girls.”
Second-year stalwarts include outside hitter Katielle Altagracia Alonzo Vargas who leads the team with 131.5 points and 120 kills, defensive specialist Mia Martinez, who leads the team with 249 digs, and middle blocker Esthefany Rabit, who is third on the squad with 121 points and first with 55 blocks. Setter Luiza Da Cruz is second on the team with 207 assists.
Benoit is relying on that veteran leadership to set the standard.
“They have to let them know the culture we have here,” Benoit said. “Besides being an athlete, we are students first and need to work hard in the classroom as well as on the court.”
On the court, a core of freshmen are blossoming quickly. Right side hitter Angelica Rodriguez is second on the team with 127 points and 111 kills and setter Maria Clara Antunes leads the team with 317 assists.
“We’ve started the season on the right foot,” Martinez said. “I have high expectations this year.”
Benoit said the team’s primary goal is to remain healthy as they dive into the heart of their conference schedule, which includes two games versus Florida SouthWestern.
“Every single player has what it takes to win a National Championship,” Benoit said. “We’re just going to do it to the best of our abilities and keep representing Miami Dade the way they should be at the National Tournament.”
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