Clearwater looks to convert its potential into victories
A tough schedule may mean early knocks, but the Tornadoes should be tough for the postseason.
By BOB PUTNAM
Published September 4, 2003
With the return of sophomore setter Sloan Baby and an influx of skilled freshmen, Clearwater coach Lynn Hallmark has a team stocked with young talent.
All the Tornadoes have to do is convert that potential into big victories. A daunting schedule provides plenty of opportunities.
Clearwater opened its season Wednesday night with a 25-10, 25-8, 25-23 victory against visiting Seminole, a team that handed the Tornadoes their first loss last season and won Class 5A, District 10.
This weekend Clearwater plays in a tournament hosted by defending Class 2A state champion Gainesville P.K. Yonge.
Other tests include matches against Class 4A state runner-up Jacksonville Bishop Kenny, Class 5A runner-up East Lake and a trip to Melbourne to play in the Treasure Coast tournament, which is full of ranked teams.
"We won't be able to take too many nights off," Hallmark said.
The Tornadoes' rough road was made possible after the Florida High School Athletic Association cut the regular-schedule from 28 to 25 matches, forcing county coaches to play district and conference opponents only once.
That gave Hallmark more open dates, which she filled with playoff-caliber teams so her players will be ready for anything by the end of the season.
"We play in a very challenging district," Hallmark said of Class 5A-9. "East Lake went to the state final for the past two years, and Countryside was there in 2000. We have to prepare for that type of competition, and this is the best way to do so."
The Tornadoes lost county player of the year Nikki Morzenti and Allison Stanley to graduation. Young players must respond in their absence.
"We are young and we may take our lumps," Hallmark said. "But this will give us confidence down the road."
