Florence Christian SCISA AAA volleyball state runner-up again
Eagles' Carter pleased with season after losing key performers
Florence – At the time when it happens, no one is excited about being the state runner-up, no matter the sport, event or competition. However, after a time of retrospection, the accomplishment can be seen in its proper context as to the achievement it actually is.
That’s what head coach Denise Carter and her Florence Christian School volleyball team went through last season when they lost to Spartanburg Christian Academy in the championship round of the SCISA AAA state tournament. The Eagles did the same this season, only to a new team in Shannon Forest.
“I was extremely pleased and excited about making it back to state,” said Carter, whose team finished with a 26-6-1 record with the 3-1 loss. “That is your ultimate goal as a coach, to prepare and put yourself in that position to WIN. Unfortunately, we fell short to another great team for the second time in a row. That doesn't mean I am less proud of them. Just making it is an awesome accomplishment that they will cherish and remember forever.”
FCS won the first set 25-21. However, Shannon Forest rebounded to win the final three sets 25-15, 25-19, 25-19.
With the loss of several key players to graduation from last year, Florence Christian didn’t come flying out of the gates.
“We started out slow with all the new faces, just trying to get the right chemistry on the court,” Carter said. “We fought through some injuries and finally got things going at the right time. We won silver bracket in The Battle at The Castle and the Baron Bash. Playing in those two tournaments and our strong region (2) certainly prepared us for the lower state (bracket of the state tournament held October 20-21 in Myrtle Beach).”
Senior Bradley Brown was selected as the Region Player of the Year. Brown, who is committed to play collegiately at Wofford, had 462 kills, finising her career with 1,249. She also had 110 blocks, 245 digs and 46 service aces.
Joining Brown on the all-region team are senior Sofie Purvis and sophomore Jada Porter. Purvis had 52 aces and 283 digs. Porter finished with 43 aces, 210 kills, 43 blocks and 125 digs.
Bradley and Brown were both North-South All-Star selections.
Jenna Prevatte led FCS in assists with 478 to go with 24 aces. Daisy Carter had 88 digs and 15 aces, Demi Greene had 17 aces, Lareen Rishmawi had 26 kills and 13 blocks, Susanna Lee had 16 kills and three blocks, Anna Kate Huggins had 10 kills, and Victoria Smith had 91 assists.
About us
Recognizing the achievements of young athletes in South Carolina since 1986.