Vanguard Knights volleyball is all set to compete in the state semifinals
OCALA, Fla. — For head coach Luis Perez, a great volleyball season is not necessarily reflected by having a positive overall record. Considering that the Knights volleyball team was struck by COVID-19 and numerous injuries throughout the season, Perez reflects on the general balance of the team as they prepare for their next rival, Mosley High School, in the state semifinals on Saturday.
鈥淭hese girls have grown so much as individuals and as a team,鈥� he stated. 鈥淪ome of the girls stepped up and played different positions they鈥檝e never played before and did an amazing job.鈥�
Coach Perez believes that although the Knights have a 13-17 overall record, their complicated schedule has helped the players fulfill their physical and mental capacities.
鈥淲e probably have one of the hardest schedules in Ocala,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he reason we do this is so that we can get ready for district, regional and state series.鈥�
In his second year as a head coach, Perez wants to repeat a feature that hasn鈥檛 been done since 2018, when the Vanguard Knights conquered the state championship after beating South Fork Bulldogs in a three-set sweep. At that point, he was still an assistant coach under Randy Ewer.
With an overall record of 21 victories and eight defeats, the Mosley girls varsity volleyball team has the better side. However, this doesn鈥檛 bother Coach Perez at all, as he鈥檚 confident the Knights will be highly competitive.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going against a big team, but we have a very fast game and the girls are on a roll,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e been working hard, practicing and having fun.鈥�
For Perez, discipline will be the key to obtain a positive result.
鈥淲e鈥檙e playing at their house so we鈥檙e bringing a little bit extra pressure on ourselves,鈥� he noted. 鈥淚鈥檓 sure it鈥檚 going to be full of their supporters. This game is all about discipline. How disciplined can you be at the net to be able to play a great defense.鈥�
Despite they will be playing the state semifinals on Saturday, the way to play this game is to treat it just as any other match they have played.
鈥淵ou got to bring everything you have as a coach to help them out during the whole match,鈥� Perez said. 鈥淲e have an advantage which is that some of the players have been in this situation before. But we also have a disadvantage because half of the team have not been in this situation before. No matter what, you play your game.鈥�
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