Game Stunners in the defeat of FL. 5A State Champs

Northeast Florida's #1 ranked and class 5A state champions, Middleburg High School's Bronco Volleyball team, lost to number 3 ranked Beachside High School Barracudas.  The 3-set match began with teams laying bets on whose volleyball IQ was greater and quickly turned into a battle of who was faster, stronger, and who would be the team to leave victorious. Whether strategic offensive plays, crucial defensive stops, or undeniable leadership, these 6 players embraced all or at least one of these attributes, making them Game Stunners.    The Underestimated Attacker   Beachside's #9, an outside hitter, may often be underestimated, but those who do so quickly regret it. During this match Roberts didn't just rely on power; her refined attacking ability allowed her to thread the needle between blockers or squeeze shots past the antenna with precision. There was no need to go over the block—her technical skill and court awareness were enough to consistently outsmart the defense. Time and again, she proved that finesse can be just as effective as force.     #13 - The Versatile Setter and Right-Side   Mollie VanDeusen just keeps getting stronger and better. They say setters release early, well this young lady stayed to play.  Against the Bronco's, she recorded the team's highest dig count, with 16 digs, while also contributing 13 kills. Her ability to attack from both pins and execute the 2 ball in the middle made her a threat to the opposition. Not only has her offensive play been stellar, but her defensive instincts have also grown stronger, making her an invaluable asset as Beachside pushes forward in the season.     #1 - The Explosive Outside Hitter   Known for her incredible vertical leap—often referred to as having “bunnies”—Beachside's AJ has been a consistent offensive weapon. For the match against Middleburg, she clearly came in with a plan and executed it to perfection. Faced with a formidable block from the opposing team, she found creative ways to score, racking up an impressive 15 kills. Her ability to adapt mid-play and attack from different angles kept the defense on their heels. Defensively, she made smart reads that allowed her team and setters to maintain their rhythm, contributing to the overall team dynamic.     - The Towering Right-Side and Outside Hitter   At 6'2”, [player_tooltip player_id='538538' first='Camden' last='Rahn'] is an imposing figure on the court. But it's not just her height that makes her effective—it's her ability to use it wisely. Rahn has established herself as a “wall of a block,” especially when paired with Middleburg's middle blockers. Whether it's forcing errors or shutting down an opponent's attack, Rahn's presence at the net has been nothing short of dominant. Yet, she's far from a one-dimensional player. When given the opportunity, she can power through or go over the block with her own offensive strikes. Leave her a gap, and she'll exploit it with pinpoint accuracy. Additionally, her defensive reads while playing in the back row have proven that Rahn is a complete player, capable of impacting the game on both sides of the ball.     The Veteran   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='403824' first='Brooke' last='Forkum'] made her veteran status known with her first turn at the service line. She set the tone when she rattled off four aces, with three of them leaving the opposing defense scrambling with shanks, and one delivering a clean, solid burn. When she rotates into the front row, Forkum's versatility shines as she attacks from both pins. She combines aggression with technical finesse, ensuring that Middleburg's offense remains unpredictable and potent.     The Rising Middle Blocker   As one of two sophomores on Middleburg's varsity squad, Maysie Bader is quickly making a name for herself. Playing as a middle blocker, Bader was a disruptive force at the net, often forcing opposing hitters to rethink their strategy. Her blocking forced opponents to attempt workarounds. As the season progresses—and with the potential to further hone her skills in the club season—Bader's development is certainly one to watch.

Northeast Florida's #1 ranked and class 5A state champions, Middleburg High School's Bronco Volleyball team, lost to number 3 ranked Beachside High School Barracudas. The 3-set match began with teams laying bets on whose volleyball IQ was greater and quickly turned into a battle of who was faster, stronger, and who would be the team to leave victorious. Whether strategic offensive plays, crucial defensive stops, or undeniable leadership, these 6 players embraced all or at least one of these attributes, making them Game Stunners.