NORTH PORT — Kaylynn Earley’s first game as head coach of the North Port volleyball team was a victorious one.
But it sure wasn’t easy.
Facing a tough Babcock squad playing its first season in an FHSAA district, the Bobcats had everything but the kitchen sink thrown at them before finally winning in four sets, 25-23, 25-13, 25-27, 25-14 Monday at The Cage in the season opener for both teams.
North Port got big nights from Aubrey Miller at the net and Augustina Sorrentino, who served up some long Bobcat rallies to get them over the top.
Earley said despite being a 1A school, the Trailblazers gave them more of a battle than anyone expected.
“They gave us a run for our money. They gave us a fight in that third set to take it away from us. I think we beat them with communication,” Earley said. “The seniors did a great job leading the team and so did my captains.”
Miller said after a tough preseason, the Bobcats improved.
“I thought we played well as a team, we communicated, and we had fun. I’m proud of what we did,” Miller said. “We were a little surprised by that third set, but we came back.”
Babcock showed early they were not going to be pushed around by a 7A school. They led briefly and tied the Bobcats at 16 before a North Port run got the Bobcats a 24-19 lead.
Eighth-grader Olivia Carr, who had an uneven night but was great on her serve, saved four set points for the Trailblazers with her serve, but the Bobcats prevailed.
After North Port cruised in the second set, they quickly fell behind 10-2 in the third set before chipping away and finally taking a 24-21 lead.
Instead of victory, Babcock stormed back, saved four match points and took the third set.
The fourth set saw the Bobcats take control once again, building a comfortable lead as Vanessa Parolisi served up a huge run to give the Bobcats a 17-7 edge. They cruised from there for the match.
Babcock head coach Daniel Mahy was thrilled by the effort from his team. However, there were some communication problems and trouble receiving serve at times, which can be a problem when playing two eighth-graders.
“I’m proud of them because they competed. I’ve been trying to change the culture. The technical part wasn’t there, but that’ll come,” Mahy said. “I wanted to see how they handled pressure. I’m satisfied with that, but we need to be better. We have eighth- and ninth-graders playing juniors and seniors.”
BOYS GOLF
John Ryan Invitational: Charlotte’s Miguel Guzman carded a 75 to finish seventh on Monday during the season-opening event at Venice’s Capri Isles Golf Club.
Lakewood Ranch won the 20-team event with a team score of 299. Venice was ninth, Lemon Bay 12th and Charlotte 14th.
Guzman had the top finish among area golfers. Lemon Bay’s Tye Yovanovich shot a 77 to finish 18th. Venice’s top finisher was Parker Mattoon, who carded an 80, good for 31st.
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