Young Cougars come through

STAFF REPORTS

With only one returning starter, the Merritt Island Christian Cougars (22-6) topped Orlando Christian Prep (13-7) in the first round of Region 2-1A volleyball championship.

"We're doing very well," said MICS coach Laurie Haines. "We expected to be more of a rebuilding team this year, instead we're playing like seasoned veterans."

The Lady Cougars next take on Orangewood Christian (22-6), the defending state champion returning most of its team, Saturday at 3 p.m. at home.

"We're very much looking forward to Saturday's game, it's the fourth year in a row we've met Orangewood in this round," said Haines. "Two years ago, when we hosted, we beat them and went to states. Last year, they beat us at their place. Now it's our time.

"It's going to be a dogfight."

Middle blocker Amanda Weekley, a senior, had 10 kills and three blocks for the Cougars on Tuesday night.

The sisterly setting combo of freshman Stephanie Quinn (7 kills, 13 assists, 11 digs and 5 aces) and senior Jessica Quinn (5 kills, 14 assists, 5 aces) led the Cougars' offense.

Holy Trinity rolls on.

Holy Trinity (20-7) also won its first round and will take on defending 2A state champion Evangelical Christian (17-10) in Fort Myers on Saturday.

"We played very well, we had a tough loss against First Academy in the district championship so the girls came back with fire ready to play," said Holy Trinity coach Daniella Bragg. "They realized this is it, we're in the regionals, you don't get there every year.

More scores.

In Region 4-5A, West Boca Raton defeated Satellite High 25-7, 25-7, 25-14.

In Region4-4A, Jensen Beach defeated Astronaut 25-16, 25-15, 25-16.

Also in Class 4A, Merritt Island (24-4) defeated Suncoast, 3-0: 28-26, 25-10, 25-20. The Mustangs next play on the road at Cardinal Gibbons of Fort Lauderdale, which is 28-0 after sweeping Mater Academy, 25-5, 25-3, 25-11.

In 2-6A, Melbourne (13-8) was swept by Timber Creek (25-4) 25-22, 25-14, 25-11.

In 4-5A, Sebastian River (14-9) beat Martin County (17-11) 25-9, 25-15, 25-20 and plays next at Fort Myers (23-3), which defeated Hollywood Hills, 25-23, 25-14, 17-25, 25-22.

In 2-1A, Pine Castle Christian defeated Temple Christian25-9, 25-9, 25-21.