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Jul 20, 2023

Green Wave tops Knights, Swamp Foxes during program debut

The Summerville Boys Volleyball team opened its inaugural season Aug. 28 with a sweep. During a tri-match at Ashley Ridge, the Green Wave stepped onto the court for its first official match and

The Summerville Boys Volleyball team opened its inaugural season Aug. 28 with a sweep.

During a tri-match at Ashley Ridge, the Green Wave stepped onto the court for its first official match and defeated Stratford 25-15, 25-9. Summerville followed that victory with a 25-19, 25-10 win over Ashley Ridge, which also opened its inaugural season that evening.

Skyler Dennis, who spent the last nine years as a teacher and volleyball coach in southwest Florida, was hired as the head coach for Summerville’s newest athletic program this Summer. He said starting a new program from scratch has been both challenging and exciting.

“It’s been a lot, but has been easier than I thought it would be because I’ve had so much support,” Dennis said. “The community has really rallied around this team and they are excited. That’s been encouraging and we have great leadership on the team as well.”

Boys’ volleyball wasn’t sanctioned by the South Carolina High School League until last year. Schools in area’s that had established club programs formed their own teams prior to last season but many in areas without established club programs didn’t. Dorchester School District Two decided this school year it had enough interest in boys’ volleyball to move forward.

“I’ve heard there are some teams that have done club volleyball for a few years so that is a challenge for us, but my main goal for this year is to set the foundation for a good future for the program,” Dennis said. “We just happened to have a good amount of experience on the team so we have really hit the ground running.”

The Green Wave’s attack is led by captains TJ Neville and Shea Flynn. They are the only seniors on the team and both have club experience.

“TJ is one of the guys who pushed to start the program,” Dennis said. “They both have been fantastic as leaders.”

Sophomore setter Kerrick Pruitt also plays club ball. Prior to the season, a couple of other athletes with club experience moved to the area and joined the team.

“In volleyball the setter is kind of like the quarterback so Kerrick has also been a big contributor,” Dennis said. “Alex Mose is our Libero and despite being a freshman he is overall one of the better players on the team. It is easy for him to play the floor.”

Juniors Matheus Lopes and Jackson Guerrero and sophomore Nicholas Beddard provided good size and athleticism for the squad. Other members of the team are Soloman “Mona” Kamauu, Matthew Abercrombie, Mason Karns, Bennett Black, Lukash Klabnik, Hunter Scruggs, Campbell Pittman and Cyrus Anthony.

“I think one of the strengths of our team is we have a lot of players who can pass and dig the ball,” Dennis said. “I can take several people off the bench and put them right in and we don’t lose a beat. It’s been fun watching this group play.”

Ashley Ridge won its match against Stratford 25-23, 25-19. Dennis said the tri-match was a good way to get things started.

“We got to deal with a little adversity tonight and that’s good,” he said. “We were away and there was some crowd noise so it was good for our guys to experience that right away. That’s something we can work on at practice, how to handle yourself in a hostile environment.”

The Summerville Boys Volleyball team opened its inaugural season Aug. 28 with a sweep. Read moreGreen Wave tops Knights, Swamp Foxes during program debut

Fort Dorchester and Summerville won their season openers Aug. 25 while Pinewood Prep lost its home opener. Read moreFootball wrap: Green Wave and Patriots open with a win

Senior receiver Derrick Salley hauled in four touchdown passes from sophomore quarterback Trevor Kalisz Aug. 25 as Ashley Ridge defeated Cane Bay 33-12. Read moreSwamp Foxes top Cobras in Week 1 battle

The coaching staff that led Summerville on a very successful campaign in 2022 has returned to lead the Green Wave in 2023. Read moreGreen Wave staff remains the same for new campaign