Lady Sharks Swarm Waters In Search of Another Volleyball District Title

In 2010, Riverview's volleyball team added a Class 5A-District 8 title to its trophy case after defeating powerhouse Durant, marking its first-ever district volleyball championship. 

Although the Lady Sharks made a late-season playoff push, capping off a thrilling 18-7-0 season, they were eventually defeated 3-2 in the regional semifinal by a determined Durant team they had previously defeated in the district finals.

With the realignment of a new district (Class 7A-District 8) and the addition of five very tough opposing teams in Hillsborough, Tampa Bay Tech, East Bay, Brandon and Plant City, the 2011-12 season will pose multiple challenges for Coach Kristin Grosso and the Lady Sharks.

Adding to the challenge of a Riverview title defense will be the loss of five outstanding seniors in Caitlyn Baker, Carolyn Harnish, Tina Conklin (57 attack kills) and captains Rachel Jenkins (600 assists, 41 aces) and Victoria Gay (255 digs).

Despite the loss of its senior leadership, the future is not so dim for the Lady Sharks, as they will be led by four fantastic underclassmen in juniors Miranda Becker (308 digs), Jenna Cook (101 attack kills, 188 digs), Sarah Burrington (336 attack kills, 229 digs, 88 blocks) and sophomore Kiahnna Wilson (101 attack kills). 

Riverview will begin its season at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, on the road against nondistrict foe Lakeland.

 2011 – 2012 Lady Sharks Volleyball Schedule

Aug. 25     at Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Aug. 30     at Newsome, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 1      Durant, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7      at Plant City, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18    at East Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20    Bloomingdale, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22    at Hillsborough, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26    Plant, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3       Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6       Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11     Brandon, 7:30 p.m.

Oct 13      Wharton, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18     Robinson, 7 p.m.