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2 matches down, volleyball teams gauge season ahead
By TERRY JONES The 2002 volleyball season tipped off Tuesday, and the north Tampa teams saw plenty of action throughout the week. Jefferson opened against Tampa Bay Tech, and Freedom took on Armwood. Chamberlain began play Wednesday at home against Hillsborough, and Gaither started its season Thursday at Class 6A, District 5 foe Sarasota Riverview. The Gryphons will be in contention for the Class 4A, District 9 title in a field that includes the powerhouse Plant Panthers and the Dragons. Wharton will go against Alonso, Chamberlain and Leto in Class 5A, District 8. Freedom, meanwhile, begins its inaugural year in Class 3A, District 9 with Robinson and Tampa Catholic. ALONSO (0-2): Although the team is only in its second season, seniors Jordan Sharp and Jessica Allen provide strength and leadership. Coach Michelle Freeberg said the combination of experience and youth could help the Ravens have a good season this year. "We have a good foundation with enough basic fundamentals to begin working on strategy this year," Freeberg said. CHAMBERLAIN (1-1): Betty Lambert says she is happy about the possibilities of a good season. Last year the Chiefs placed third in the district tournament, missing the the state competition by one game. Plus, 40 players tried out this year. Back is first-team all-Western Conference hitter Brittany Storch, a junior. Also returning are setter Becky Leisner, outside hitter Missy Zick and defensive player Amanda Cook, all seniors. Freshman setter Aleisha Hodo will provide quickness and depth, and junior outside hitter Carrie Ulm returns with more experience. "We have a good crop of kids back, and I expect to be a contender by the end of the season. The girls are really fired up and ready for a good run," Lambert said. FREEDOM (0-2): The first-year Patriots don't have any seniors, but Coach Tamara "Tammy" Wilsey has a pair of club-experienced juniors, a tough sophomore and plenty of freshmen to lay the foundation for a competitive program. Wilsey will be counting on middle hitter Ashley Love and outside hitter Ali Valdez, both juniors, for team leadership. Sophomore Erica Bailey and freshman Heather Krzeminski add club experience. "Because we have mostly freshmen and sophomores, we will take our lumps this first season," Wilsey said. "But we are in a Class 3A district with only Robinson and Tampa Catholic, and I think we have as good an opportunity as the other two of placing first or second." GAITHER (1-1): The Cowboys look strong, but the team's district competition is mostly south of Hillsborough County, and the local schedule doesn't provide enough challenging competition to prepare for the tough Class 6-A state run. Back for their senior year are Elaine Evans, Lianna Smith, Katie Anderson and Erin Maloney, who were all starters last year. "We have a brutal district, but I am still very excited about this team and this season," Coach Cindy Smith said. "We will need an on-court leader though. . . . someone to step up and lead game communications." JEFFERSON (0-2): Dragons Coach Tammy McGovern has a goal and a plan to build a strong volleyball program. "We are working on discipline and team work," McGovern said. "Although we started the season 0-2, one of the losses was to Plant, a top team in the state. Our girls worked together as a team in the game and didn't fall apart. I was proud of them. That will pay off later in the year and I believe we can go .500 for the season." Michelle D'Almeida is the team leader and court general. The senior setter has experience and encourages her younger teammates. Junior outside hitter Alexis Sotolongo keeps the ball in play, and junior Lizz Larke adds intense offense and defense as a middle hitter. Sophomore middle hitter Jessica Cruz also is a big factor in the Dragons' attack. LETO (0-1): Falcons Coach Evaritha Omensetter did not respond to inquires about her team. SICKLES (1-1): Rob Brashear thinks he has a winning team this year, which is dominated by experienced seniors. Jennifer Vance, Rachel Malkowski, Rebecca Donovan and Jennifer Anderson are the senior leaders. Junior Natalie Anston and sophomore Anna Greenwood are also returning starters. "I believe we are definitely going to make it out of districts this year," Brashear said. "I have a lot of high hopes for this year and look for them to stay in the playoffs for awhile." WHARTON (1-1): Coach Lori Gribben says she has the talented young players to build a consistent team. Natalie Moser brings senior leadership into the lineup. She is also versatile enough to play all positions. Sophomore Patricia Perez and freshman Sarah Burkett will be the Wildcats' setters. Valentina Gomez, Crystal Jones and Ashley Arnett provide junior leadership and experience. "These girls are not all that strong, but they are very consistent players and hard workers," Gribben said. "We also have a new JV coach, Melanie Mueller, to help build for the future."
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