Orangewood Christian Shocks with FHSAA Final Four Win Without Star

UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Orangewood Christian has advanced to the FHSAA Final Four despite the absence of star player Ellie Enger, a frontrunner for freshman All-American honors. The Rams overcame a challenging match against the fifth-ranked Trinity Catholic of Ocala, claiming victory in a nail-biting series with scores of 21-25, 29-27, 25-17, 25-21 on October 30, 2023.

Playing without their leading kills scorer, Enger, who boasts 303 kills this season, the Rams showcased resilience on their home court. This victory marks the program’s 10th Final Four appearance and continues their impressive streak of 11 consecutive wins, bringing their record to 26-4.

The state semifinal is set for Monday at either 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. at Polk State College in Winter Haven. The championship match is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m.. The other regional winners include No. 3 Divine Savior Academy (29-1), No. 4 Tampa Prep (20-7), and No. 6 First Baptist (30-1) of Naples.

Enger is currently at a training camp for the inaugural USA Volleyball Girls 17U National Team in Colorado Springs, which could jeopardize her participation in the state tournament if selected for the upcoming NORCECA Women’s U17 Continental Championship in Costa Rica next week.

Coach Diane Langmo stated, “I think the girls were really nervous without Ellie, but we knew what we had to do against this team.” The pressure was palpable as the Rams faced a formidable challenge but managed to come from behind in each set.

Star performances from junior Kaleigh Langmo (24 kills, 23 digs) and her twin sister, Kennedy Langmo (18 kills, 18 digs), powered the team. Senior Jenna Langmo contributed crucial kills during pivotal moments, helping the Rams erase a 17-13 deficit in the final set.

Enger’s absence was felt deeply, with junior Kaleigh Langmo expressing, “We were all bummed about that. But this win gives us a big boost of confidence. We just kept our composure.” Key plays included two crucial blocks by ninth grader Sterling Wiepert that saved the match in the second game, demonstrating the depth of talent on the squad.

The match ended with strong contributions from Olivia Sosa (16 digs) and setters Avery Herman and Mia Crowell, who provided essential assists. Crowell recorded 20 assists and 10 digs, while Herman added 22 assists, showcasing the team’s collaborative effort.

As the Rams prepare for their semifinal, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and confidence without their star player. The excitement builds not just for the players but for fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for this determined team.

Stay tuned for updates as the FHSAA confirms matchups and rankings leading up to the state championship.