WATCH: Bayside Bears Face Merritt Island Mustangs in Prep Volleyball
By Zane Garcia, Space Coast Daily // September 3, 2025
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ABOVE VIDEO: Bayside Bears Face Merritt Island Mustangs in Prep Volleyball
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND – The Bayside Bears travel to Merritt Island tonight to face the 7-2 Mustangs who are currently ranked in the top 15 teams in the state. The Bears are coming off a win over Eau Gallie last night in a 3-0 shutout.
MERRITT ISLAND
The Mustangs had a strong 23-6 season a year ago, but fell in the Regional Finals to Bishop Moore (eventual state champions). This season the Mustangs have started well posting a 7-2 record and currently sit at No. 13 in the state. The goal for Merritt Island is clear, make it back to the Regional Final and finish what they could not a year ago.
The Mustangs are led offensively by Ema Michell with 3 kills a game, Senior Sarah Niazi helping provide for those kills with nearly 4 digs a game herself.
The Mustangs are ready to take the court after playing a three game tournament this past Saturday.
Merritt Island has some big ones coming up after tonight, Viera tomorrow (September 4), at Cocoa Beach (September 9), and at Holy Trinity (September 15).
BAYSIDE
Bayside a year ago went 17-10 and made it to the Regional Finals. They were led by the 2024 breakfast of champions volleyball player of the year Jasmine Calton (now at Mercer). This team has been a rough stretch lately and wants to get a big win tonight over an ultra talented Merritt Island Mustangs squad. Currently at 4-7 the Bears are looking to turn their fortunes around.
Seniors for the Bears, Shamora Scott and JaNay McLin have been the key pieces on offense and defense respectively for Bayside. They also have a lot of younger talent on this team and will be needing contributions from the underclassmen as well.
After this quick road trip tonight the Bears will have a home stand facing Edgewood tomorrow 9/4, West Shore 9/8, and Martin County 9/9.
