On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the Plant Panthers volleyball team defeated the Steinbrenner Warriors in straight sets. The game against Steinbrenner was Plant’s home opener, and many fans were in the stands, cheering for the team as they brought home the win. 

The Panthers were ranked first in the 7A District 9 last year with an overall record of 25-3 for the season and 3-0 for the district. Along with winning the district final of the 2023 season, the Lady Panthers took home their second state championship in the past three years. The team is in the 7A division. In Florida, the districts are split based on the school’s population. Plant, for example, is in the 7A district because it is one of the most heavily populated schools in the state. 

Hoping to continue their reign over the sport in Florida, setter Sophia Dostic, a sophomore, shared her experience on the team for the last two years. When asked what her favorite aspect of being a part of the Plant Panthers is, she highlighted the relationships built. 

“Playing with my best friends, we are all so close together. They support me so much,” Dostic said. 

Dostic made the varsity volleyball team as a freshman, being the youngest starter for Plant at the state championship game. 

Plant Gold Rush, the school’s spirit club, attended the game on Wednesday to support the team. Jordan Langston, a senior, described and gave her thoughts on the game. 

“I thought it was super fun!” Langston said. “I thought the student section was really good and more than we expected. We had a lot of energy on and off the court.” 

The Lady Panthers bonded after the game at Crumbl Cookies to celebrate the team’s win. Plant will attempt to maintain its win streak throughout the season. The next match is against St. Thomas Aquinas on Sept. 26.