Sidelines

KUDOS
+ ODA Volleyball
The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball team captured its first district title since 2007 with a 25-20, 22-25, 25-12, 25-11 victory over rival Cardinal Mooney in the Class 3A-District 10 championship Oct. 24.

Natalie Buffett powered the Thunder with nine kills and 11 perfect passes. Lauren Maxey added eight kills and 10 digs. Cameron Graham led the way defensively with 20 digs, 15 perfect passes and three aces. Reanna Gregory recorded six kills, and Greta Holland had three aces.

With the win, ODA hosted Clearwater Calvary Christian in the Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinals Oct. 29. ODA won the match.

+ Riverview Rams win district crown
The Riverview High boys cross-country team scored 32 points to win the Class 4A-District 8 championship Oct. 23, in Largo.

Blake Riley won the individual crown, finishing first in 16:34.15. Bryce Vokus finished second in 16:46.58, followed by Warran Grajalez (third, 16:52.76). On the girls side, Riverview scored 42 points to finish second behind North Port (30).

Chimami Wade finished fourth overall in 19:59.43, followed by Jessica Lonas (fifth, 20:15.70) and Michaelie Grajalez (sixth, 20:16.65).

Both teams will advance to the Class 4A-Region 2 meet Nov. 2, in North Port.

+ Sarasota cruises to district titles
The Sarasota boys and girls cross-country teams went 1-2-3 to win the Class 3A-District 10 meet Oct. 24, in Largo.

Sarasota freshman Sage Lyons set a new school record, crossing the finish line first in 18 minutes, 51 seconds, to lead the Lady Sailors to a first-place finish. Sarasota scored 18 points to finish ahead of runner-up Lakewood Ranch (62).

Zack Summerall won the boys district title, finishing in 15:13.60 to lead Sarasota ahead of district runner-up Venice.

+ Cougars victorious at homecoming
The Cardinal Mooney High football team improved to 6-1 with a 43-33 homecoming victory over Victory Christian Academy Oct. 25.

Quarterback Reese Vita completed 7 of 10 passes for 148 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Demardre Patterson carried the ball 37 times for 284 yards and two touchdowns.

Alex Sobczak had a pair of interceptions, and Nate Maxham had an interception.

+ Falcons open new athletic center
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School opened its new $5 million, state-of-the-art athletic facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 23.

The Falcons continued the celebration during a tailgating extravaganza and grand opening before Saint Stephen’s beat The Out-of-Door Academy 20-0 Oct. 25.

The Moore Athletic Complex at Turner Fields will host athletic events for the Falcons’ football, track and field, lacrosse, baseball, softball and tennis teams.

“None of this would be possible without the generous donations from those who believe in our school,” says Dr. Janet Pullen, head of school at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal. “We want to sincerely thank everyone who helped make this possible, especially the Moore family.”

GAME TO WATCH
Football
Nov. 1
Sarasota vs. Lakewood Ranch (7:30 p.m.)

STANDOUT PLAYER
Cameron Graham
Libero, Volleyball
The Out-of-Door Academy

316 - The number of digs Graham has recorded so far this season.

11 - The number of perfect passes Graham had in ODA’s 3-1 victory over Cardinal Mooney in the Class 3A-District 10 championship Oct. 24.

2 - The number of years Graham has been a starter on the Thunder’s varsity squad.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected]