Pasco County volleyball had a remarkable run last season. Mitchell and Land O’ Lakes each set school records for wins and Wesley Chapel snapped a long district title drought. The success should continue with many teams returning key starters. How do the county teams rank, at least to start the season? Find out below. 

1. Mitchell

The Mustangs are coming off their best season in history. They went undefeated in the regular season and made the region final. The biggest losses in personnel were middle blocker Elizabeth McDonald and defensive specialist Avery Lewis, both of whom graduated. Still, Mitchell has enough back to remain at the top. Those returning include Caroline Knight (227 kills, 81 digs), Ava Connors (330 assists, 165 digs) and Kinnah Kriedler (74 kills and 48 blocks). The Mustangs also picked up Lola Buck-Taylor, a defensive specialist who transferred from Bishop McLaughlin. 

2. Wesley Chapel

Last season was a memorable one for the Wildcats. They went 19-5, won their first district title in 17 years and advanced to the region final. The bulk of the starting lineup from that charmed run returns, including Chloe Danielson, the reigning Sunshine Athletic player of the year in the East Division who finished with 375 kills, 188 digs and 72 blocks. Danielson has plenty of help with Brooke Ashkenase (367 digs), Jenna Ly (631 assists, 199 digs), Lizzy Ekechi (139 kills) and Annabelle Grace Korta (110 kills) all back, as well. In the offseason, Wesley Chapel also got a boost with the addition of Emma Letourneau, who transferred from Pasco.  

3. Sunlake

The Seahawks went through some growing pains last season, finishing 13-8. There is plenty of optimism with the return of Alice Stryker (103 blocks, 92 kills), Kendyl Okin (113 blocks, 100 kills), Madison Hatfield (129 digs) and Vanessa Sierra (192 kills) and the arrival of freshman setter Ava Zalta. But it is the addition of Maddie Snider, an FSU commit who transferred from Bishop McLaughin, that makes Sunlake serious title contenders. 

4. Land O’ Lakes

The Gators are coming off a dream season in which they set the school record for wins by going 25-5. But they had to do some retooling after losing six of their top seven players who graduated. Though Land O’ Lakes may be young, they still have some veterans, chief among them Bella Horruitiner (244 kills, 201 digs) and Jai Linduski (127 kills). 

5. Fivay

Last year, the Falcons struggled playing a brutally tough schedule, going 9-18. Still, they made the playoffs. The experience of playing so many quality matches should pay off, especially with the return of Faith Jetter (224 digs) and a now healthy Makayla Way. 

6. Cypress Creek

The Coyotes went 17-6 last year, marking the first time the program has ever posted consecutive winning seasons. That success should continue with returners such as Cyanna Torrado (100 kills) and Camryn Paradise (100 assists). 

7. Wiregrass Ranch 

After going 9-10 last season, the Bulls are expected to improve thanks to a solid group of returners that includes Haley Strawser (191 kills, 181 digs) and Delaney Moran (300 digs).