Marjory Stoneman Douglas Volleyball. Photo by: Matt Rothman
By: Matt Rothman
Sisters Isabella and Camila Mercer had the opportunity to play together on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Volleyball team and dominated to help the Eagles move to 1-0 on the season.
Isabella, a senior, played incredible on offense while Camila, a freshman, served and contributed defensively in the win over Cooper City High School.
“At first, I thought playing with my sister was going to be really frustrating, but it is really helpful because I can trust her,” Isabella said. “I know she will always have my back, and she is always good at taking my criticism because she is my sister.”
For Camila, the experience was a bit different.
“I was definitely really scared being a freshman going on varsity, but I was really happy to have my sister there so I can have somebody back me up.”
This match was also the debut for many players, including Brianna Freels, Julie Van Arsdale, and Isabel Gonzalez, who joined the varsity team this year. Head Coach Daniella Rapaglia had to turn to many different new players and returning ones to pick up the four-set win.
The Eagles came out of the gate strong and won the opening two sets, but Cooper City took control of the third set late. After the teams traded points, most of the fourth, Isabella, Jordan Robertson, and Megan Pittman closed out the match before the decisive fifth set.
Coach Rapaglia was extremely pleased with her team’s performance and believes they will improve as the year goes on.
“I thought the first game went really well, especially with Covid. We didn’t have a lot of time to prepare, but overall, they are going to do well moving forward.”
MSD will remain busy in the shortened season and will have an exciting match at home on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. against Coral Springs Charter School. Their first five games will be at home before they travel to Western High School for a matchup on Nov. 16.
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