- April 25, 2024
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Buccaneers middle blocker Asia Hubbert rises for a kill against FPC. Photo by Ray Boone
Mainland's Asia Hubbert (right) and Abby Rich go up for a block against FPC. Photo by Ray Boone
Asia Hubbert (left) and teammate Amya Daversa on the bench during the third set against FPC. Photo by Ray Boone
Mainland middle blocker Asia Hubbert tips a ball across the net against FPC. Photo by Ray Boone
Mainland volleyball player Leeshel Gaines attempts to block a hit by FPC. Photo by Ray Boone
Mainland libero Vanessa Cervantes digs a ball against FPC. Photo by Ray Boone
Down early in the third set against Flagler Palm Coast, the Buccaneers’ Asia Hubbert leapt into the air to meet a misplaced ball by the Bulldogs.
When her hand met the back of the ball, there was nothing the Bulldogs could do as Mainland’s standout middle blocker sent her kill to the floor at an almost 90-degree angle.
On the very next play, Hubbert did it again, letting out a roar as the ball slammed onto the opponent’s side of the court, giving the Buccaneers their first lead of the set.
“It was shocking,” Hubbert said of her two easy kills. “I didn’t think that was gonna happen. But it did.”
The 16-year-old is only in her second season playing volleyball, but that didn’t stop Hubbert from leading Mainland in a 3-0 sweep of FPC on the night of Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Mainland High School’s gym.
Hubbert was part of a long, physical frontcourt that harassed the Bulldogs all night at the net.
Hubbert and teammate Morgan Mundell led the Buccaneers with seven kills each, and Hubbert was responsible for four of the Buccaneers’ six total blocks.
“They really dominated at the net,” Mainland coach Lauren Valle said. “I think we’re one of the best blocking teams in the area, and they really showed a lot of that tonight, so I’m really proud of them for that.”
Hubbert is not the tallest player on the Buccaneers’ squad. With a team that boasts players standing 5-foot-10 and 5-foot-11, Hubbert stands at a modest 5-foot-9. But what she lacks in length, she makes up for in her ability to take flight. She can attack balls most players on her team couldn’t dream of reaching.
During the second set, which the Buccaneers easily won 25-17, Hubbert hit a hard spike that was dug up by the Bulldogs' libero. Hubbert didn't flinch. She just spiked it again.
“I’m not the tallest, but I have the most ups,” said Hubbert, who also runs track and plays basketball and flag football. “And my strength is pretty powerful compared to other girls, and I always use that against my opponent. I’m just naturally athletic.”
To top it off, Hubbert is only a junior. Valle will have her standout defender for another year.
“We’re blessed,” Valle said. “We’re one of the taller teams. So using that height and athleticism, we’ve been blessed this year with some really phenomenal blockers and some stellar athletes.”
