Volleyball: Can Brandon repeat success in new district?

Posted Sep 2, 2009 by Nick Williams

Updated Sep 2, 2009 at 03:44 PM

With Plant, Berkeley Prep and Tampa Prep making headlines for advancing to the state tournament last season, some may have forgotten just how good the Brandon Eagles were in 2008.

Brandon owned the best record in Hillsborough County (25-2), losing to Plant in the regular season and Winter Park Lake Howell in the Class 5A region championship.

Now in 6A, the Eagles are paired in the same district as nationally-ranked Plant, along with Wharton, Bloomingdale and Alonso.

“Now you have the top two (public school) teams in the same district,” said Brandon coach Amy Watson, now in her eighth season. “I’m excited because we haven’t been pushed the last two seasons.”

Brandon graduated two starters from last year’s squad, but return the bulk of their talent. Senior outside hitter Aly Woodley led the team in kills last season with 304, while junior setter Lindsey Watson was an all-around threat with 193 kills, 177 aces, 304 digs and 423 assists. 6-foot-2 middle hitter Audra Geniesse added 207 kills and 83 blocks.

The Eagles also return junior libero Sammi Klemp and junior middle hitter Nicole Higgins (6-2), who did not play last season due to FHSAA violations.

Watson said the team will make its first appearance in the Tampa Invitational, one of the biggest volleyball tournament in the southeast, this year as well as playing in the Academy of the Holy Names Invite.

Brandon will play Plant on Tuesday at Plant.