CHRISTIAN ORTEGA / THE REPORTER
The Lady Sharks volleyball team is continuing its impressive season, winning their first 15 games while losing only five sets to extend their win streak to 49 games
For reference, the last time the Lady Sharks lost a game, Donald J. Trump was not president; the last time they lost a set was Sept. 1 against Daytona State College.
Even with their continued success, the girls have remained grounded.
“The key for us has been to never underestimate our opponents,” freshman outside hitter Issaura Santos. “The moment we lose focus, we give them a chance to beat us.”
Going into the season, the team which features six freshman was concerned about its chemistry but that clearly has not been an issue.
“Their chemistry is much much better than at the start of the season,” said head coach Kiko Benoit. “I have the luxury to play different rotations throughout matches. Since we’re getting along so well, everything has been clicking.”
They are easily dispatching top opponents. On Sept. 22, the Lady Sharks defeated 11th-ranked Polk State (25-21, 25-17, 25-18).
The formula to their recent success? Increasing the intensity in practice.
“They haven’t stopped working hard during practices and that’s translated to their performance on the court,” Benoit said.
An emphasis on competing for every spot on the floor has allowed the freshman to shine alongside their veteran teammates.
“We treat practices like a competition,” freshman outside hitter, Cabriella Bouterse said. “We do what we can to be better than every other player on the court. We have the mentality of ‘are you going to lose or are you going to win?’ ”
The competitive atmosphere has led to big results.
Kimberlie Apolinario-Correa, a freshman middle blocker from Brazil, has put together an impressive string of games, vaulting her to being ranked 18th in the nation for service aces per set (0.53) and leading the nation in hitting percentage (.500).
Vanda Zimova, another freshman middle blocker from Slovakia, has been the team’s spark in the rotation. In 13 matches, Zimova is averaging 2.1 points, 0.79 blocks per set and 60 points.
“It’s hard to name specific girls that have played beyond expectations as freshman,” Benoit said. “We have so many well-rounded players who have been doing a great job.”
The team is in the top ten in kills per set (13.50), hitting percentage (.306), assists per set (12.74) digs per set (20.74) and points per set (17.6).
“At this point, we still have to take the season game-by-game,” Benoit said. “But we have our eyes on the national championship.”
The Lady Sharks play their next game on Oct. 10 at Broward College at 6 p.m.
