by Tamas Mondovics
On its quest to claim a third district title, the Riverview Sharks welcomed and defeated Hillsborough High, expending the program’s conference winning streak to 3-0, with only Tampa Bay Tech and the young, but talented, Brandon Eagles left to play.
Showing their prominence and strength among nearby teams, the Sharks, led by third year head coach Kristin Grosso, added to the number of season wins after once again defeating the also young but dedicated and slowly improving Spoto Spartans in a three set (25-6, 25-3, 25-10) non-conference match, which also grew the Sharks home wins to 4-0.
Grosso, who led the program to its first district championship title in 2010 by defeating the Plant City Raiders, then coached by her older sister and third-year Raider’s head coach Kerri Ann Grosso, spoke highly of the team’s dedication and commitment to the sport.
“I was very proud of the girls for winning that first district title and, I am also proud of being a part of their continued success as they are working to achieve a three-peat again this season,” Kristin said.
Unfortunately, with nine seniors on the roster, no trophy—district or beyond—is enough to ease the thought of saying goodbye to the girls as they graduate.
“We are facing a sad ending to our season no matter how successful we will be on the court,” Grosso said.
With the leadership of seniors like Kiahna Wicks, Cassidy Hutchinson and Jordan Alberts, the Sharks worked hard together during the past three years and set the example to their younger team- mates, including sophomore outside hitters Kelsey Rodgers, and Meagan Letcher and junior libero Molly Dykes.
While facing a major change for the next season, Grosso emphasized that the program is not without talented players who are all looking forward to earn a spot on next year’s varsity team.
For more information about area high school team sports, please visit www.maxpreps.com.
