Powerhouse Plant Faces Upstart Robinson in Volleyball

It's been a tale of two volleyball programs.

The Plant Panthers have won five straight state titles, including eight of the last ten. And the Robinson Knights haven't.

While the two programs are leagues apart, Monday's matchup revealed two teams that were much closer.

Plant took the first game 25-18, but Robinson made them earn it. Robinson senior Katie Hogan played out of her mind, digging out spikes, delivering her own, and serving up jump-serves to the Panthers.

The Knights won the second game 25-20 to tie it up.

Robinson was up 16-15 at one point in the third game, and even tied it up at 22; but in the end Plant took the game 25-23.

That's when Plant’s strength and depth took over. The Panthers closed out the fourth game 25-15.

"I'm proud of the team,” said Knight team captain Sophia Tahiri. “We knew we could compete with Plant."

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Here’s a look at both squads at the midway point of the volleyball season:

Plant

A perpetual powerhouse, Plant has ten state title banners adorning their gym. But the squad faced some sweeping changes this summer.

First, former assistant coach Amy Rumore, a Panther alum and member of the 2002 and 2003 state champion teams, took over the head coaching reins.

Secondly, the team graduated a lot of talent this past spring. According to Rumore, only two starters from last year's team returned, including senior middle back Brynne Fruhmorgan.

"She's a coach on the court,” said Rumore of Fruhmorgan. “She knows the game and is an experienced, smart player.”

"My job is to keep them focused, motivated," said Fruhmorgan."We don't get anything for free, just because we're state champs."

Senior setter Maren Douglas is the other returning starter. Rumore describes her as very cool under pressure.

Junior outside hitter Ashley Cozart has come up through the Panther system and is “an animal” on defense, Rumore said.

Junior libero Kylie Parks is relatively new to the team, but she’s a stout defender and is "personally offended" when people score on her, according to Rumore.

"At Plant, excellence is expected," said Rumore. "That being said, it's a fun atmosphere. It seems like everyone at the school cares about sports."

After beating Robinson, the Panthers move to 9-4 on the year. In October they have district games against Bloomingdale and Alonso, before the district tournament later that month.

Robinson

The Knights have typically been a mediocre team, but they are on a bit of an upswing this year. Coming off an 11-14-1 season, the team is currently 9-8. They have already played some of the best teams in the county.

Robinson returns four of their starters from last year – Sophia Tahiri, Lexi Gaertner, and sisters Allison and Melissa Weathers.

Setter Tahiri, a team captain, has amazing team spirit and ball-handling skills, according to head coach Ryan Wheatley. "She puts her heart and soul into it," said Wheatley.

Like the Weathers sisters, Gaertner is an outside hitter. According to Wheatley, she has lots of power and is a great all-around player. "She's someone we'd go to in a crunch," said Wheatley.

Wheatley said middle hitter Crystal Ortiz, the other captain, is the team’s most improved player.

Plant transfer Katie Hogan "could be my best all around player,” Wheatley said. She has the whole skill set that was display Monday night, he added.

The Knights can realistically look at a district title this year. Currently, they are in first place in District 11. Their upcoming matches with Blake and Lennard should determine the seeding for the district tournament.

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