JUPITER — In a wild week of upsets, Jupiter volleyball will be one of several programs preparing to embark on a regional run on the road.
Though Palm Beach County's top-ranked public school program fell to Vero Beach, the Warriors (16-8) can rely on a pair of new stars this year to kickstart their regional play on the right foot this week.
Following the graduation of several seniors last year, newcomers Ellie Lord and Charlee Sawicki have made a big difference for this edition of the Warriors program.
"Ellie came to us from Texas this summer," Blane Betz said. "She made an immediate impact with our team as far as being a very dominant middle."
Even in the district title loss, Lord not only made several good blocks, she showcased her offensive flair
with some nice tip-kills at the net and impressed with her serve, earning Betz's praise for her consistency.
Sawicki was arguably Jupiter's singular best player in last week's championship. While Kaija Fullerton's impact was mitigated by Vero Beach's front line, Sawicki shined on the other side.
Betz knew the kind of production he was getting when Sawicki joined varsity.
"Charlie has been with me since sixth grade, and I knew coming into high school she'd probably be one of the best athletes I've coached. She's definitely proving that. She has that want and that drive that you want everybody to have."
"She's definitely the hitter of our future" Betz continued. "So we'll see how that goes in the next three years."
Of course, the 2026 season is still alive and well ― district title or not.
Jupiter, like 16 other Palm Beach County teams, found out its first round fate during the FHSAA's selection show on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m.
Here are all first-round regional matchups for local teams.
Class 1A
Region 4
No. 8 Westwood Christian (5-9) at No. 1 Boca Raton Christian (20-6)
No. 7 Greene School (13-10) at No. 2 Pine School (14-10)
No. 5 Lake Worth Christian (13-11) at No. 4 Cushman (20-6)
No. 6 Berean Christian (14-6) at No. 3 Sagemont Prep (14-10)
Class 2A
Region 2
No. 8 Southwest Florida (3-11) at No. 1 St. Andrew's (16-7)
No. 5 John Carroll Catholic (12-4) at No. 4 Benjamin (11-10)
Class 3A
Region 3
No. 8 Somerset Canyons (16-5) at No. 1 King's Academy (20-5)
No. 6 Cardinal Newman (14-13) at No. 3 Bishop Verot (23-4)
No. 5 Dreyfoos School of the Arts (16-8) at No. 4 Desoto County (22-6)
Class 5A
Region 4
No. 6 Pembroke Pines Charter (7-11) at No. 3 Dwyer (15-11)
No. 5 West Boca Raton (12-13) at No. 4 Seminole Ridge (24-4)
Class 6A
Region 3
No. 7 Strawberry Crest (16-9) at No. 2 Jupiter (16-8)
Region 4
No. 8 Dr. Joaquín García (15-11) at No. 1 Doral Academy (19-6)
No. 7 Boca Raton (17-9) at No. 2 Miami Palmetto (19-5)
No. 3 Ferguson at (17-5) No. 6 Spanish River (16-11)
Alex Peterman is a high school sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at apeterman@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: See opening regional matchups for 17 Palm Beach County volleyball teams
