Welcome to the Pasco County volleyball buzz, where we bring you the latest news and updates on the local teams and players. In this edition, we reveal the winners of the player of the week polls during the regular season, as well as the super seven rankings. Find out who made the cut and who impressed the voters with their outstanding performances on the court. Stay tuned for more volleyball buzz in the coming weeks.
Player of the week poll winners
Week 1, Aug. 21-26
Mackenna Lofthouse, Jr., Mitchell
During the opening week of the season, Lofthouse helped the Mustangs get off to a fast start by ending up with 18 digs, two digs and two aces in a win over Bishop McLaughlin.
Fans were impressed.
Lofthouse won the Pasco County player of the week poll with 49 percent of the votes (666) to beat out Wesley Chapel’s Zharia Alleyne, who had 23 percent (318 votes).
Week 2, Aug. 28-Sept. 2
Jaylie Trautner, Sr., Mitchell
Against Fivay, Trautner delivered, finishing with 18 assists, two digs and two aces in the win.
Fans took notice.
Trautner won the Pasco County player of the week poll with 47 percent of the votes (472) to beat out Sunlake’s Sofia Sierra, who had 39 percent (388 votes).
Week 3, Sept. 4-9
Skye Gagne, Sr., Pasco
MaxPreps named Gage the player of the match after leading the Pirates to a win over Gulf.
Fans approved of the selection.
Gagne won the Pasco County player of the week poll with 42 percent of the votes (270) to beat out Mitchell’s Taryn Newton, who had 28 percent (178 votes).
Week 4, Sept. 11-16
Amelia Colon, So., Land O’ Lakes
Showcasing her defensive skills, Colon recorded 28 digs in a win over Zephyrhills.
Fans were impressed.
Colon won the Pasco County player of the week poll with 42 percent of the votes (576) to beat out Wesley Chapel’s Emily Teets, who had 37 percent (502 votes).
Week 5, Sept. 18-23
Adina Waysman, Fr., Academy at the Lakes
Despite losing to Tampa SLAM, Waysman stood out, recording 26 assists and eight aces.
Fans took notice.
Waysman won the Pasco County player of the week poll with 40 percent of the votes (709) to beat out Bishop McLaughlin’s Emma Meurer, who had 33 percent (585 votes).
Week 6, Sept. 25-29
Alana Carter, Jr., Wesley Chapel
Against Bishop McLaughlin, Carter ran the offense efficiently, finishing with 34 assists and adding 12 digs.
Fans applauded the effort.
Carter won the Pasco County player of the week poll with 48 percent of the votes (1,001) to beat out Pasco’s Shelby Butler, who had 37 percent (767).
Week 7, Oct. 2-7
Kendall Calzone, Fr., Mitchell
By displaying her versatility (11 kills, 10 digs), Calzone helped the Mustangs in a win over Pasco.
Fans paid attention.
Calzone won the Pasco County player of the week poll with 46 percent of the votes (1,368) to beat out Wesley Chapel’s Annabelle Grace Korta, who had 34 percent (1,002).
Week 8, Oct. 9-13
Lilly Roberts, Jr., Mitchell
Against Countryside, Roberts did her part, finishing with five kills, five digs and three aces.
Fans took notice.
Roberts won the Pasco County player of the week poll with 49 percent of the votes (759) to beat out Sunlake’s Zayda Thomas, who had 39 percent (605).
Pasco County Super seven
1. Sunlake (16-8)
The Seahawks, who won the Class 6A, District 9 title, are on a six-match win streak. They are 11-1 against county competition, the lone loss coming in a tournament to Wesley Chapel. Sunlake won the other two matches against the rival Wildcats this season. The lineup is balanced with Sofia Sierra, Vanessa Sierra, Amelia Snider and Zayda Thomas leading the way.
2. Wesley Chapel (19-5)
The Wildcats, who reached the state semifinals last season, put together a tough schedule to prepare for another deep postseason run. Their five losses are all to playoff teams. Besides the experience of playing challenging competition, Wesley Chapel also is getting healthy at the right time. That showed last week with the Wildcats winning the Class 5A, District 5 title. This is a veteran – and balanced – team, led by Brooke Ashkenase, Alana Carter, Elizabeth Ekechi, Annabelle Grace Korta and Emma Letourneau.
3. Wiregrass Ranch (14-8)
The Bulls, despite dealing with a key injury at the start of the season, overcame a slow start to reach the playoffs with an at-large bid in Class 6A. After starting 3-4, Wiregrass Ranch has won 11 of its last 15 matches, including victories over Mitchell and Land O’ Lakes. Stephanie Daly, Marisabel Monserrate, Kaelyn Plate and Ava Spearin have all been big contributors this season.
4. Land O’ Lakes (15-12)
The Gators were unable to replicate their state semifinal run from last season and just missed making the playoffs. Still, they played well down the stretch, including a victory over rival Mitchell in last week’s Class 6A, District 9 semifinals to reach the title match. Amelia Colon, Bella Horruitiner, Katelyn Hurley and Carissa Mixon all helped keep Land O’ Lakes in playoff contention throughout the season.
5. Mitchell (20-7)
The Mustangs made the playoffs with an at-large berth in Class 6A. They have some quality wins this season, including a five-set victory over River Ridge. Kendall Calzone, Mackenna Lofthouse, Caragh McMorrow, Taryn Newton, Lilly Roberts, Jaylie Trautner have all made big contributions this season.
6. River Ridge (22-6)
This has been a season of superlatives for the Knights. The program reached the 20-win plateau for the first time since 2008 and secured their first winning season since 2015. Last week, they also reached the district final for the first time since ‘15. Jenna Boggs, Mailin Fletcher, Cassandra Kendall, Lauren Lambert and Madilyn Way have all contributed to River Ridge’s turnaround.
7. Hudson (12-9)
Despite a loss to Weeki Wachee in last week’s Class 4A, District 9 title match, the Cobras were able to make the playoffs with an at-large berth. Isabella Colon and Zoe Graham have stood out throughout the season.
