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Carrollwood Day volleyball no longer under the radar

 
“Everyone agrees that this team looks better than last. We saw CCC and how happy their seniors were after winning state. We have four seniors this year and we want the same thing.”
Chrissy Brynjolfsson, shown serving the ball for Carrollwood Day during a game last year
“Everyone agrees that this team looks better than last. We saw CCC and how happy their seniors were after winning state. We have four seniors this year and we want the same thing.” Chrissy Brynjolfsson, shown serving the ball for Carrollwood Day during a game last year
Published Aug. 20, 2015

TAMPA — It started with Clearwater Central Catholic and ended with Clearwater Central Catholic.

Sandwiched in between was a tremendous season, one that will go down in the record books. But the last time Carrollwood Day School stepped on a volleyball court, the Patriots stared across the net and watched the Marauders celebrate a state title.

"They kicked our butt to start the season," Carrollwood Day coach Eric Praetorius said. "And they kicked our butts to end the season."

But Carrollwood Day has plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2015. The Patriots made it out of districts for the first time in school history last year and reached the state championship match. Carrollwood Day finished the year 24-2 and graduated one senior.

"Everyone agrees that this team looks better than last," senior setter Casey Brynjolfsson said. "We saw CCC and how happy their seniors were after winning state. We have four seniors this year and we want the same thing."

The one loss, however, was a big one. Aisling Sheehan, a terror at the net, racked up a school-record 452 kills.

Sheehan "was a really big factor, especially in the offense," Brynjolfsson said. "But everyone on the team from last year has improved immensely."

Praetorius believes the loss of Sheehan will be made up for by a host of Patriots.

"I think you're going to see players like Gabby Quarles, Stevie Schweitzer and Madison Henkin really step up this year," he said. "Aisling is a big loss but instead of just relying on one hitter, we will be more balanced."

The Patriots' defensive and passing games are also strong. Chrissy Brynjolfsson, who led the team with 445 digs, is back, and twin Casey paced Carrollwood Day with 700 assists a year ago.

"I think we have a deeper team than last year," Praetorius said.

Carrollwood Day's coming-out party also significantly raised its profile.

"Last year we kind of came out of nowhere," Praetorius said. "We're not sneaking up on anyone this season. The target is going to be on our back."

But that suits Praetorius just fine.

"Because of the season we had we got into better tournaments this year and will play tougher teams," he said. "That's what we want. We want to play the best."

And even though Carrollwood Day fell just one step shy of winning a ring in Kissimmee, Praetorius stopped just short of proclaiming anything less than a state championship a disappointment. "I'm not going to say state title or bust," he said. "But we are aware of the increased expectations. And the girls think it's fun. It's exciting."