Stephanie Quinn just gives and gives on the volleyball court.
That charity paid off Thursday night in yet another school career record for the 5-foot-6 junior, who has been a varsity starter since ninth grade. Quinn's 17 assists boosted her past Merritt Island Christian's former record-holder as the top-seeded Cougars claimed the Class 1A, District 7 title with a 25-7, 25-9, 25-16 win over No. 2-seed Temple Christian at Brevard Christian School's gym.
Quinn, who in recent weeks surpassed the marks for Cougars' kills, digs and aces, boosted her three-season assist total to 923. That is nine ahead of ex-Cougar Beth Haines-DeMund, the daughter of MIC coach Laurie Haines.
"It helps my confidence level a lot as a junior to be able to accomplish that," Quinn said of her records.
The win -- MIC's third this season over Temple Christian -- gave the Cougars (21-6) a home regional quarterfinal date either Tuesday or Wednesday. The match was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but MIC petitioned to have it moved because of religious services that evening. Haines said she expects a ruling on the playing date today.
The Lions (9-9) will also continue their season, although they will play a road quarterfinal. Despite 18 digs and six kills by her daughter, Rebekah, Temple coach Faye Maynard said facing MIC, which reached the state tournament last season, likely had a mental effect on her squad.
"I think my team shuts down with that team," Maynard said. "They feel defeated when they get on court with Merritt Island Christian."
Nonetheless, Temple earned the school's second regional volleyball appearance. MIC will be looking for its third state tournament appearance in the past five seasons.
"I think we're ready," Quinn said. "We've trained and worked as hard as we can. I know this team is capable of going further than we did last year (the state semifinals)."
The Cougars also received 11 assists from senior Kacie Paulk, 10 digs from senior Haleigh Campbell, eight aces from senior Erica Robes and four blocks from Aimee DeWitt in the 48-minute match. A senior, DeWitt recently set the school record for career blocks, the only standard Quinn has yet to take. Considering Quinn's height, DeWitt and her record are at least safe from the versatile setter/hitter.
"Since I'm trying to go to college to be a DS (defensive specialist) or setter, I'm probably most proud of the assists record," Quinn said. "I really looked up to a lot of setters that came out of this school."
Contact Cherry at 242-3684 or [email protected]