The Okeechobee High School junior varsity volleyball team nearly made it through the season without a loss. The team, which includes the Seminole Tribe’s Tiyanni Anderson, Giselle Micco and Lexi Thomas, entered its final match Oct.14 with a 14-0 record. Its hopes of a perfect season were spoiled by South Fork, which defeated the Brahmans, 2-0, in Stuart.

Despite the setback, Okeechobee coach Jacalyn Sutton was still thrilled with how her team performed this season.
“All my girls are really good. They can play almost any position. They give me the flexibility to do what I want,” said Sutton, a first-year coach.

Sutton said the players from the tribe are all outstanding players. Micco, a junior, and Thomas, a sophomore, handled a lot of the setting. Thomas notched 201 assists, by far the most on the club. They’ll be candidates to move up to varsity next season to fill holes.

“Varsity has two senior setters this year, so [the coach] is definitely looking at bringing up two setters next year,” Sutton said.

Thomas also excelled in serving. She led the team with 92 service points and 45 aces.

Anderson is a freshman outside hitter who finished with 18 kills and 31 digs.

After nearly 50 players tried out for volleyball this season, Sutton said Okeechobee hopes to add a freshman team next season.