Sisters help Lady Cougars to district title

EAST COUNTY — Every time she looks back to last season, Sarah Soscia can’t help but smile uncontrollably.

It was a season of firsts for the Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School senior defensive specialist who saw the Lady Cougars beat perennial area volleyball super power Venice for the first time and capture their first district title since 2004.

“It’s so weird to think about it,” Sarah said. “We lost to them every time, but we have so much talent on the team. We were so pumped up. It’s unbelievable to think back and think ‘Did that really happen?’”

It also was the first time in her high school career that Sarah found herself playing alongside her younger sister, Maria, who played in the Lady Cougars back court as a freshman.

“Last year as a freshman, they all helped me; but it was nice to have someone to relate to help me,” Maria said. “In the game, I don’t think of her as my sister, but after practice it’s fun to discuss what happened.”

“It’s a little different because I really watch out for her,” Sarah said. “I try and make sure she’s OK.”

Poised with natural athletic ability, Sarah and Maria began playing volleyball when they were in fifth and third grade, respectively.

The two had tried a variety of sports before eventually settling on volleyball.

“We knew we were physically capable of doing it,” Sarah said. “We started to love it, and when we were in middle school we really got into it.

The two sisters joined the Suncoast Volleyball Club, where Maria still plays for the National 15 Black team, and quickly developed a passion for the game.

“I love the teammate aspect of it and doing everything together,” said Maria, who will serve as Cardinal Mooney’s setter this fall. “Coaches Kristen (Batt) and Joe (Rohr) are the best. This is our third season with them and they’re great. They’re the cool aunt and uncle.”
Sarah agreed.

“I enjoy the camaraderie,” Sarah said. “It’s so different then any other sport. The girls bond so well. It feels like we’re all sisters. I love the feeling of a good workout and the pain — it brings you closer.”

Last season, Sarah and Maria helped power Cardinal Mooney to its first district title since 2004. Throughout the journey, Sarah and Maria relied not only on their skill level, which they admit is just about equal, but their ability to read one another and keep each other in line.

“One thing I really struggle with is focus,” Sarah said. “(Maria) teaches me to calm down. She knows when to be serious. She keeps me in line a little bit even though she’s younger.”

“She’s taught me to be happy in any moment and to enjoy everything you have,” Maria said. “She’s always happy, laughing and smiling. We balance each other out well.”

The two sisters spent the offseason practicing four days a week; and now as they prepare to embark on their final season together on the court, Sarah and Maria both have their sights set on defending their district title and advancing deep into the postseason while prolonging the inevitable as much as they can.

“I want us to go farther than we did last year,” Sarah said. “I want to prolong this season as long as possible because it’s my last year.”

Maria agreed.

“I don’t want Senior Night to come,” Maria said. “I’m going to cry so much. I’m not looking forward to it at all. She’s like my best friend.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].