TAMPA - After opening 2023 with a win over powerhouse Spruce Creek in August, the Middleburg High volleyball team, under first year head coach Meredith Forkum looked to go big on their next adventure with a trip to Tampa for the Nike Tournament of Champions Southeast hosted Sept. 1-2.

Unfortunately, the Lady Broncos screeched to a two-loss halt in Tampa with losses to Trinity Christian Academy and 7A region finalist Doral Academy before regrouping and winning three straight to enter the Silver championship bracket.
The Bronco's wins came over 7A-Central High of Fort Pierce, 2A-Canterbury of Fort Myers and 2A-Trinity Prep of Winter Park.
In their final game, against defending 5A champion Jensen Beach, the Lady Broncos ended their trip with a 2-1 loss.
Stats-wise, junior Brooke Forkum led the team with 67 kills in 16 sets played with the Rahn sisters, senior Connor and sophomore Camden striking for 56 and 47 scores.
At Ridgeview, the Lady Panthers opened with Episcopal and blasted to a 3-0 win behind 13 kills from senior Haley Robinson. Ridgeview coach Steven Henry returns a bevy of senior talent from their region's final team of last year; Makenna Clark, Sydney Little, Nevaeh Baugh, Angel Morales, Kennedy Baugh, Brianna Adams, Mariah Bostic-Jones and Harper Herring that will inevitably create another deep region run that must visit Middleburg at some point.
Ridgeview takes on Oakleaf on September 5 with a September run featuring Bartram Trail, Bolles, Ponte Vedra, Bishop Kenny, Fleming Island and St. Johns Country Day School (2-2).
Middleburg, now 4-3, goes on the road to Oakleaf and Orange Park, then has Fleming Island (4-1) at home.