Vanguard – District Champions

The Vanguard Knights volleyball team pose with the District Championship trophy after defeating Lake Weir during the district final at Belleview High School in Belleview, Fla. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. Vanguard won the district title by beating Lake Weir 3 sets to 0. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

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Posted October 16, 2020 | By Morgan Willett, Ocala Gazette

Vanguard crushes Lake Weir 3-0:  25-7; 25-8; 25-23.   The lady Knights came out with a dominating performance, under the leadership of first year head coach, Luis Perez.

As the Knights outscored the Hurricanes 50-15 in the first 2 sets, Vanguard was able to give their 2^nd string players some district experience.

Leading the way in the whirlwind conquest, were outside powerhouse hitter Emma Ehman with 13 kills and 11 digs, and setter Sophie Reed with 26 assists, 16 digs and an astounding 15 aces.  Ruby Owen with 8 kills and Adyla Kerley with 7 kills, both added to the offensive attack.

Throughout the season, the lady Knights have presented a united front, bonded by hard work and mental toughness.  In talking with Coach Perez, he is elated with his team’s performance, which resulted in the win over Lake Weir and afforded him his first District Championship as a head coach.  He has previously earned District Championships as assistant coach; but, winning one as head coach is unquestionably on another level.

Vanguard’s next hurdle will be the Regional tournament, which commences next week.   The outcome of Lake Minneola vs. Pine Ridge, who play Oct. 15, will determine the next opponent on the chopping block for Vanguard.  Vanguard will host the loser of said match-up on Oct. 21 at 7pm.

Lake Weir is also moving on to Regionals where they will play the winner of the Lake Minneola/Pine Ridge match-up.

The lady Knights having some of the top players on the leader board for 5A, should be able to make a formidable appearance in the Regional tournament.   The following players are ranked in the state as follows:

• Sophie Reed (Sophomore):
  • 1^st assists – 352
  • 1^st aces – 61
  • 4^th digs – 117
  • 6^th kills – 43
• Emma Ehman (Sophomore):
  • 1^st kills – 194
  • 5^th digs – 116
• Ruby Owen (Sophomore):
  • 2^nd blocks – 10
  • 3^rd kills – 88
• Adyla Kerley (Sophomore):
  • 6^th kills – 43