Munroe volleyball out of state series

Since summer workouts began, Munroe’s volleyball coach, Rich Tenney, had shared the same goal as every high school sports team — to make it to the state tournament. Unfortunately, John Paul II had the same goal and bigger hitters, allowing the Panthers to defeat the Lady Cats for the fourth time this season. 

Although the Munroe team showed signs early in both the first games, leading at times, they could not stave off the attack of the John Paul II senior hitters, Jordan Bickett and Maria Nixon, who combined for 22 kills. 

Munroe’s Mollie Edwards and Audrey Thomas combined for six kills. Edwards did step up on defense to record 10 digs. Karleebeth Perkins added seven digs. 

From the service line, Edwards, Thomas and Ramsey Higdon combined for seven aces. 

Munroe loses three top senior players and long-time starters, hitters Audrey Thomas and Mollie Edwards and setter Kaitlyn Sirmons. 

Thomas finished out her career as the second top service ace server in Florida and 20th in the nation, with 156.

The team ended their season with a 16-12 record.