After two sets, it didn’t look like top-ranked Orangewood Christian would miss standout hitter and all-around talent, Ellie Enger, a 6-foot-2 ninth grade prodigy who leads the Rams in kills.
But after winning the first two sets, Orangewood lost the next three to First Baptist Academy of Naples for a tough 25-27, 17-25, 25-13, 25-22, 15-13 loss in a FHSAA Class 2A state semifinal on Wednesday night at Polk State College in Winter Haven.
First Baptist (31-1) advances to Wednesday’s 10 a.m. championship match against Tampa Prep (21-6), which defeated Divine Savior of Doral in three sets.
“It was a bummer,” Orangewood coach Diane Langmo said. “We didn’t play our best, which was frustrating. We missed a lot of serves tonight, and also made a lot more hitting errors. I think the girls might have been a little nervous.”
Enger played every Rams match until last week’s region final win over Ocala Trinity Catholic and Monday’s season-ending loss. She was one of 17 girls selected to take part in an Oct. 26-Nov. 1 training session in Colorado Springs with the USA Volleyball U17 Girls National team.
Orangewood volleyball, without phenom Ellie Enger, reaches FHSAA final four
After the conclusion of that camp Enger learned that she was one of 12 girls chosen to stay with the national team for a trip to play in the NORCECA Women’s U17 Continental Championship in San Jose, Costa Rica. That tournament tips off on Tuesday and runs through Sunday.
“Ellie is a fantastic hitter and blocker,” Langmo said.” Obviously, she would have been worth a few points if she was here, but it’s a chance at the Olympics. You can’t really pass that up.”
The state semifinal is one step further than the Rams (26-5) reached last season and they have only two seniors graduating this year.
Orangewood was led by Langmo’s junior twin daughters, Kennedy (20 kills, 19 digs, 3 blocks) and Kaleigh (11 kills, 21 digs). Olivia Sosa, a sophomore, had 18 digs and 7, junior Avery Herman had 17 assists, and senior Caroline Vargas added 6 kills and 4 blocks.
Orangewood, Winter Park are No. 1 in FHSAA volleyball region playoffs
Next up
Lake Highland Prep (24-6), ranked No. 2 in 3A, won Monday and plays for a repeat state title Wednesday at 1 p.m. against top-ranked Calvary Christian (30-1) of Clearwater.
Oviedo (23-6) plays Sunlake (22-7) of Pasco County in a 6A semifinal on Thursday at 10 a.m.
Later that day, second-ranked Kissimmee Osceola (26-4) faces Bloomingdale (20-1) at 1 p.m. and state No. 1 Winter Park (29-1) plays Doral Academy (16-13) at 7 in 7A semifinals.
The 6A and 7A finals will be played Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. respectively.
Lake Highland Prep will play for repeat 3A girls volleyball championship
Varsity content editor Buddy Collings can be contacted by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com.
