Volleyball: Warriors edge Titans in district match

WINTER GARDEN — There were students dressed in country garb, students dressed like Tom Cruise in “Risky Business,” an equipment malfunction that nearly injured a referee — and somewhere in between all of that, the West Orange Warriors volleyball team defeated the Olympia Titans on Tuesday night, 3-1 (25-15, 25-16, 26-28, 25-20).

The rivalry match between neighboring schools brought out student sections for both programs, creating an energetic atmosphere for the district match.

“(The players) love (the big crowd) — they say it motivates them,” West Orange coach Ross Usie said. “Most of them want to play in college and are going to play in college and they need to get used to (big crowds) anyway.”

The Warriors (13-2) were led by freshman Makala Heidelberg, who tallied 17 kills on the night to go along with 4 aces and 2 1/2 blocks. Senior Jayden Davila had 17 digs for West Orange.

Morgan Given had 9 kills for the Titans (7-10).

Play stopped briefly during the third set when the referee stand connected to the net fell through. The referee was not injured and play resumed once a replacement stand was brought out.

After a midweek loss to Apopka a week earlier, the Warriors are hopeful that they are back on track now with the high-profile Swing for the Cure Tournament at Orlando Volleyball Academy looming.

“I think we just kind of regrouped after the loss to Apopka,” Usie said. “We kind of got our heads straight and focused on what we need to be working on and what our goal is — our goal is to ultimately win states.”