Prep volleyball roundup: West Orange, Legacy off to strong starts

The West Orange Warriors varsity volleyball team has come flying out of the gate, off to a 2-0 start after wins over Lake Minneola and Wekiva last week.

“I’d say we definitely started stronger than last year,” coach Ross Usie said. “We’re going into a pretty good season with some young talent that I think can lead us.”

The Warriors are a deep team this year, with everything from experienced playmakers like Jennifer Cook to talented newcomers like freshman Makayla Heidelberg. The glue for this talented roster, though, seems to be libero CJ O’Brien, whose passion and energy seems to be contagious among her teammates.

“If we get a kill I think she jumps higher than who the hitter is,” Usie said of O’Brien’s energy.

Following the opening week wins, West Orange will have one of its toughest test of the young season on Thursday. The Warriors will travel to take on Apopka (3-0) that day, with the Blue Darters regarded as one of Central Florida’s elite programs.

Usie said he and his team would try their best to take advantage of the time between games to prepare, noting they would practice on Labor Day.

“We’re not going to slack off — they're probably one of our toughest opponents this year,” Usie said.

Upcoming games: at Apopka (Thursday), vs. Evans (Tuesday)

Legacy off to 3-0 start

Legacy Charter has gotten off to a hot start to the season, winning its first three matches.

Head coach Larry Kimpel’s program defeated Cornerstone Charter, 3-1, CFCA, 3-0, and Calvary Christian, 3-0.

Tiffany James had five aces in the Eagles’ most recent win over Calvary.

Upcoming games: at Trinity Christian (Thursday), vs. Orlando Christian Prep (Monday)

Around the area:

CFCA (0-1)

Last week: lost to Legacy Charter, 3-0

Upcoming games: at Foundation (Thursday), vs. Liberty Christian (Monday)

Dr. Phillips (1-0)

Last week: defeated Colonial, 3-0

Upcoming games: at Bishop Moore (Thursday), vs. Boone (Tuesday)

Foundation Academy (0-1)

Last week: lost to St. John Lutheran, 3-0

Upcoming games: vs. CFCA (Thursday), at Cypress Creek (Friday)

Ocoee (0-0)

Last week: DNP

Upcoming games: at Olympia (Thursday), vs. Wekiva (Monday)

Olympia (1-1)

Last week: lost to Boone, 3-0; defeated Edgewater, 3-0

Upcoming games: vs. Ocoee (Thursday), at Apopka (Tuesday)

Windermere Prep (1-0)

Last week: defeated Liberty Christian, 3-0

Upcoming games: at Forest Lake (Wednesday), at North Broward (Friday)