UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Class 1A No. 1 Orangewood Christian volleyball team has secured a spot in the FHSAA Final Four, overcoming the absence of their star player, Ellie Enger. The team triumphed over fifth-ranked Trinity Catholic in a thrilling match that went the distance, winning 21-25, 29-27, 25-17, 25-21.
This victory marks the Rams’ 10th Final Four berth and continues their impressive streak with a record of 26-4 and 11 consecutive wins. The team will compete in the state semifinals on Monday at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. at Polk State College in Winter Haven.
Enger, a standout 6-foot-2 setter and a contender for freshman All-American honors, was absent as she trains with the inaugural USA Volleyball Girls 17U National Team at the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs. Her absence posed a challenge, but coach Diane Langmo emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “I think the girls were really nervous without Ellie, but we knew what we had to do against this team.”
The emotional rollercoaster of the match saw Orangewood rally after losing the first set, showcasing their grit and determination. The Rams were led by standout performances from Kaleigh Langmo, who recorded 24 kills and 23 digs, and her twin sister Kennedy Langmo, with 18 kills and 18 digs. Their senior sister Jenna Langmo also made a significant impact off the bench, delivering crucial kills that helped turn the tide in the final set.
Trinity Catholic, despite leading the match early, could not maintain their momentum. The Rams’ defense, highlighted by Sterling Wiepert, a ninth grader, executed critical blocks during pivotal moments to save the day. Sophomore Mia Crowell contributed 20 assists and 10 digs, while junior Avery Herman added 22 assists.
If Enger is selected to represent the U.S. in the upcoming NORCECA Women’s U17 Continental Championship in Costa Rica, she will miss the state tournament, a prospect that weighs heavily on the minds of her teammates. “We were all bummed about that,” said Kaleigh Langmo, expressing the team’s collective sentiment. “But this win gives us a big boost of confidence. We just kept our composure.”
The FHSAA is expected to update team rankings soon to finalize matchups for the upcoming state semifinals. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on Orangewood Christian as they aim for a championship title, ready to prove their mettle once again.
