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Strong team depth earns title for Rams

WESLEY CHAPEL -- Depth carried Ridgewood to its fourth consecutive Sunshine Athletic Conference championship Wednesday.

The Rams did win three individual championships, but having 10 other lifters score points proved to be the difference.

Ridgewood's numbers helped it pull away from runner-up Zephyrhills for a 55-42 win. The Rams scored in nine of 10 weight classes, and in four different classes they had both lifters score points.

"They gave it everything they had today," Ridgewood coach Kecia Starnes said. "And every point counts every single time no matter what you get."

Ridgewood senior Lauren Spena led the way by capturing her third consecutive conference championship. The 108-pounder has been undefeated for three seasons. Spena's lone loss came in her freshman year against teammate Margarita Salas.

Spena closed her prep career with a personal-best total of 215 pounds.

"It's senior year. It's exciting and sad at the same time," Spena said. "I really wanted to (win) this conference title four years in a row for myself and the team."

Ridgewood's other conference crowns went to Christina Fitzpatrick (118) and Rachel Rose (148). Rose's victory margin of 40 pounds was the meet's largest.

Zephyrhills' Danielle Briones (168) was the Bulldogs' lone champion. However, three other Bulldogs finished second. Third-place Wesley Chapel picked up 12 of its 38 points in the unlimited class. Ashley Martin won her second consecutive conference crown with a total of 325 pounds. She posted the meet's best overall total for the second consecutive year.

Wesley Chapel's Jennifer Robinson again finished second to Martin with a 305-pound total.

Fourth-place River Ridge got 21 of its 31 points courtesy of three champions: Shelby Justus (98), Gina Fredrickson (138) and Alyssa Robinson (270).

Pasco finished fifth thanks to Audra Selig (128) and Amanda Newsome (158), who won their respective classes.

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