SUMTER, S.C. - USC Salkehatchie volleyball once again blew away previous program records today winning the Region 10 Conference Tournament quarterfinal match against USC Union. Battling point for point, the Salkehatchie squad kept their energy high while adapting to each attack brought on by Union's offense, defeating them 3-0. The quarterfinal victory earned Salkehatchie a spot in the semi-final match against conference rival USC Lancaster.
"We felt like we were floating on clouds," said Coach Dani Aquino. "Never in Salk program history has any Salk volleyball program advanced to the conference semi-finals. I knew we had our work cut out for us against Lancaster, but in that moment, we were all smiles."
Feeling the high from their win, as they began to warm up for the semi-final game, it came time to announce this year's All-Region Players. Lining up to hear the announcements, the Salkehatchie team was shocked to hear that three of their players made All-Region teams.
Leah Tevid, a sophomore libero earned 2nd Team All-Region. Serah Rego, a sophomore captain setter earned 1st Team All-Region, and Connelly Smith, a sophomore captain middle hitter also earned 1st Team All-Region, a second showing for Smith.
"I was elated to hear their names announced," Aquino said. "I ran out each time to get pictures of them like a proud mom. To see how their faces lit up earning those awards was one of the highest moments of my coaching career."
As the awards were handed out, there was one last award to be given, Player of the Year. This award typically goes to a player from the team who earned first place in the conference. That's when we heard the name. Connelly Smith from USC Salkehatchie was named Region 10 Div. I Conference Player of the Year.
The gym erupted in cheers and tears as the Salkehatchie volleyball team, managers, and fans flooded the gym floor as they surrounded Connelly with hugs, cheers, and congratulations.
"We hadn't even started the semi-final match, but we felt like we already won," Aquino said.
Salkehatchie was eventually defeated in the semis by Lancaster 0-3, ending their record-breaking season.
"We played better against Lancaster in that semi-final match than we did the previous three matches against them during the regular season," Coach Aquino said. "Earning 16, 17, and 18 points against them respectively, there honestly isn't a thing I would have changed about how my girls showed up today."
Salkehatchie volleyball ends their 2024 season with an 11-14 record. Pulling down record-shattering team stats like 876 kills, 190 aces, 789 assists, 1,831 digs, and 1,656 serves received.
"It's been one heck of a season," said Aquino. "We've been through a lot as a team, and once that semi-final game ended, every single one of us was in tears. We are truly a family, and in the end, that is always my goal - to make an everlasting impact on these student-athletes, something they'll remember forever."
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