NEW SMYRNA BEACH — The Lady 'Cudas suffered a heartbreaking, five-set playoff loss on their home court Saturday as their magical season came to a close.   New Smyrna Beach (22-7) took the district by storm this season and cruised to two straight sweeps in the playoffs before falling (21-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-22, 7-15) to Viera in the regional final.   "It stings," head coach Brittany Owen said.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH — A hard-fought battle on the court by New Smyrna Beach ended in a three-set sweep over Winter Haven on Wednesday.   NSB (22-6) used a dominant second set as a building block to defeat the Blue Devils (21-7) and advance to the regional finals Saturday against Viera.   Led by senior outside hitter Jalynn Brown (18 kills, six digs), the Barracudas were too much to overcome in the playoff showdown.

The Barracudas rattled the dog house in DeLand as they took a 2-0 set count lead, but the Bulldogs came barking back to win it in 5 sets scoring 19-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, and 15-12 respectively. In a game of momentum shifts, the Barracudas darted ahead of DeLand with junior outside hitter Eden Anderson giving New Smyrna 12 kills to lead the offense. The Bulldogs countered that offense with four DeLand players tallying 9 kills apiece.

The Barracudas swept into the Hawks’ nest and swam away with a 3-set victory scoring 25-12, 25-8, and 25-16. New Smyrna Beach’s junior outside hitter and team captain Jalynn Brown led the ‘Cudas with 10 kills as Spruce Creek’s junior opposite hitter Faith Kelly put up 6 kills of her own. Jalynn Brown and sophomore setter Alyssa Kornegay each had 3 serving aces for the Barracudas on the evening.

The American Volleyball Coaches Association released the annual high school All-American and Phenom list Wednesday, which includes athletes from the Volusia-Flagler-St Johns area.   All-Americans are classified as the best overall athletes from across the country and are known for showing off their skills and leadership abilities on and off the court.   Those who make the Phenom List are underclassmen who have been recognized by their head coaches for their volleyball abilities and are invited to participate in the Phenom College Prep Program in October.