The Cardinal Mooney Cougars traveled a few minutes up I-75 on Thursday, October 11, to battle against the Out-of-Door Academy Thunder, ultimately defeated the Thunder 25-19, 25-21, 22-25, 20-25.

Led by senior Kali Platter (22 kills, 11 digs, 1 ace), the Cardinal Mooney offensive attack ultimately overwhelmed the Thunder's defense which was anchored by senior libero Mackenzie Condrack (19 digs, 2 aces). For the Thunder, sophomore Sophie Fedder hammered down 16 kills accompanied while fellow sophomore Shelby Fulton scored 18 points off of 9 blocks and 9 kills. 

 

In the first game, Mooney led from the start and maintained a lead of several points throughout the game, finishing 25-19.  The second game was similar with the Cougars getting out to a 9-3 lead early on. Behind the serves of Bre Brown, the Thunder fought back to a 9-9 tie. The Cougars again expanded the lead to 20-14, before clinching the game 25-21. 

 

The momentum shifted to the Thunder's side in the third game.  After multiple ties, the Thunder eventually led 17-9 in a run of points that included 4 of Fedder's 16 kills. Mooney closed the gap to as close as 23-20, but the Thunder prevailed 25-21. 

 

Other than a brief tie at 12-12, the Cougars maintained a small lead throughout the fourth game before closing out the match, winning 25-20. Coach Chad Sutton said after the game, "It was a great match in a tough environment.  ODA really came to play tonight and tonight should serve both our teams well as we head into playoffs."

 

Both programs closed out their regular seasons with the match.  The Cougars will host Sarasota Military Academy for the first round of the 5A District 9 tournament while the Thunder will host the winner of Bradenton Christian versus Port Charlotte Community Christian on Tuesday for the 3A District 5 tournament.