By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
FORT LAUDERDALE – There’s little doubt what the best girls’ volleyball rivalry is among Broward County schools.
How often is a high school gymnasium in Broward filled to its capacity, as it was Wednesday night when St. Thomas Aquinas hosted Cardinal Gibbons.
The front-line strength of Aquinas would eventually prove why the Raiders have been dominant in the series dating back to 2012.
Led by seniors Emmi Merhi and Isabella Sangha, the pair combined for 17 kills and 10 blocks to power St. Thomas to a 25-18, 25-17, 25-7 victory. The win was the Raiders (14-4) 16th over the last 17 matches against the Chiefs (8-9).
“It’s a great rivalry both ways,” said Aquinas coach Lisa Zielinski. “There’s nothing like and it’s been this was forever. It’s playful fun and competitive.
We blocked really-well and shut down Gibbons offensively. I think we played well tonight.”
“St. Thomas did a great job at the front line,” said Cardinal Gibbons coach Kathryn Reeber. “We were struggling to get our swings past their blocks.”
The last time Gibbons defeated the Raiders in a regular season meeting was September of 2011.
Overall, the Raiders were successful on 34 of 74 kill attempts, while protecting the net with 12 blocks. Seniors Hailey Trebbien and Sydney Guerrier combined for 26 assists.
“With our balance and great front line was a big difference,” said Sangha, a transfer from Pine Crest. “We always come in with a lot of energy. That’s our game with our front line.”
Taylor Scott and Beatriz Matos each had five kills for Gibbons, while Avery Paton added 13 digs and Ava Flores 11 assists.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PHOTO CAPTION: (Left to right): St. Thomas Aquinas front line of Sydney Guerrier, Isabella Cabrera, Isabella Sangha.