Orangewood Volleyball Surges to Final Four Without Star Player

UPDATE: In a stunning display of resilience, Orangewood Christian volleyball triumphed over Trinity Catholic in a nail-biting region final, securing their place in the FHSAA Final Four without their star player, Ellie Enger. This victory, which marks the Rams’ tenth Final Four berth, was achieved through an impressive comeback in three consecutive games, ending with scores of 21-25, 29-27, 25-17, 25-21.

The match took place on Tuesday night at their home court, where the Rams faced significant challenges after losing their kills leader, Ellie Enger, a top contender for freshman All-American honors. Enger is currently participating in a training camp for the inaugural USA Volleyball Girls 17U National Team in Colorado Springs.

With a current record of 26-4 and an impressive 11 consecutive wins, the Rams will compete in the state semifinals at Polk State College in Winter Haven on Monday at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. The championship match is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Coach Diane Langmo reflected on the challenge of playing without Enger, stating, “I think the girls were really nervous without Ellie, but we knew what we had to do against this team.” Her twin daughters, Kaleigh and Kennedy Langmo, stepped up remarkably, with Kaleigh delivering 24 kills and 23 digs, while Kennedy contributed 18 kills and 18 digs.

The match was a rollercoaster, with the Celtics initially taking the lead. However, crucial plays by ninth grader Sterling Wiepert and strong performances from setters Avery Herman and Mia Crowell, who provided critical assists, kept Orangewood in the game. Crowell wrapped up the night with 20 assists and 10 digs, while Herman added 22 assists.

Orangewood’s victory is not just a testament to their skill but also a significant morale booster given the absence of Enger, who leads the team with 303 kills, 343 assists, 191 digs, 46 blocks, and 36 ace serves. If she is selected for the national team, she will miss the upcoming state tournament, adding a layer of complexity to the Rams’ championship aspirations.

As the FHSAA prepares to announce the matchups for the Final Four, Orangewood’s determination and depth have been put on full display. Fans are eager to see if the team can capitalize on this momentum and potentially claim the state title.

Stay tuned for more updates as the FHSAA reveals the next steps for the tournament and the fate of Ellie Enger.