5 teams open Manatee County volleyball tourney with wins

BRADENTON - Braden River, Bradenton Christian, Lakewood Ranch, Saint Stephen's and Southeast High all won pool-play matches in the eight-team Manatee County Volleyball Championships Friday at Bayshore High.

Today's matches, which begin at 8 a.m. and conclude with the title match at 3:45 p.m., will be held at Manatee High. Admission is $5.

Saint Stephen's rolled past Bayshore 25-14, 25-16 as senior Maggie Holbert had 13 assists and senior Morgan Johnson added eight kills.

Bradenton Christian (9-1) cruised past Manatee High 25-9, 25-18. Maria DeKuiper (three kills, two blocks, two aces), Kelly Moss (five service points, three kills) and Chynna Ratner (four kills) played well for the Lady Panthers.