Montverde Academy began the season with high expectations, and has started the year on the right note.
The Eagles started the season with preseason doubleheader win against DME Academy (3-2) and Vero Beach (3-1). Montverde won its season opener at McKeel before falling at home against The First Academy, then bouncing back on the road at George Jenkins.
With the win at George Jenkins, the Eagles had overcome a 24-17 deficit in a set for the second time in three years under head coach Jola Graham.
Here is a roundup of Montverde Academy volleyball games played from Aug. 18-28:
Montverde 3, McKeel Academy 1
The Eagles kicked off the regular season with a resounding road win over McKeel, 25-9, 25-17, 21-25, 25-16, 25-15. Suhmer Henriques led the way with 10 kills on 26 attempts with four
aces and 11 digs. Natalia Baquerizo added eight kills on 24 attempts, while Rosabella Palanti tallied seven assists with 11 digs in the win.
The First Academy 3, Montverde 1
The Eagles fell to the First Academy in four sets 25-14, 25-20, 25-22, 25-16. The Eagles allowed the Royals to finish the win with a 31-percent kill percentage, with Thanya Da Rosa registering 14 kills, three blocks, and three assists for TFA. Heniques tallied 11 kills and 10 digs, while Bianca Baquerizo added 11 kills and Natalia Baquerizo finished with 10. Leticia Cordeiro notched a double-double with 14 assists and 13 digs.
Montverde Academy 3, George Jenkins 1
Trailing 15-1 in the fourth set, the Eagles rattled off nine straight points before shoring up a 20-25, 25-18, 25-20, 26-24 win. Henriques tallied 15 kills, two assists, three blocks and seven digs while Baquerizo finished with 13 kills, two assists, one block and four digs. Eva Bardales added 12 kills, three aces, three blocks and 14 digs to the winning effort, and Bianca Baquerizo tacked on 12 kills and a pair of blocks.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Montverde volleyball begins 2026 season with two solid wins
