Coach Sam Cibrone is confident his team can be in the top 10 at nationals for the first time.
By STEVE LEE
Published November 18, 2003
NEW PORT RICHEY - Sam Cibrone coached Pasco-Hernando Community College to 11th place in the 2001 National Junior College Athletic Association Championships, the school's best showing to date.
Cibrone boldly predicted his team's fifth trip to nationals will be better.
"I think this team is a lot stronger; more of a well-balanced team," Cibrone said, comparing the current squad to the 2001 group led by former Suncoast Conference player of the year Erin Stoen.
"We don't have that one dominant player, but everyone contributes. There are no holes. (Opponents) can't exploit any weaknesses because we don't have any."
PHCC, which has finished 13th (2000) and 15th twice (2002 and 1999) at nationals, is ranked ninth in the 16-team field.
"The big thing is if you win the first game you're in the top eight," Cibrone said of the double-elimination event. "Winning that first match is our goal."
Breaking into the top eight would not only be a first for PHCC, but would mean a possible rematch against defending national champ Miami-Dade. The Sharks have defeated the Conquistadors in the past five state finals.
"You better think you can win," Cibrone said of the mind-set he is trying to instill in his players when it comes to Miami-Dade. "In the past, I've been pretty happy about just getting (to nationals). This year, I want to go out there and win."
The Conquistadors (36-7) list 10 freshmen on a 15-player roster, and all of the newcomers have contributed - most notably Beth Slabaugh, Leah Schmiedge and Kelly Fremlin.
Slabaugh, an outside hitter, leads the team in kills (442) and is second in digs (398).
"I was kind of expecting (Slabaugh) to do real well, but the freshman I'm most happy with is Leah," Cibrone said. "For a freshman middle blocker, it's hard to come in and be as dominant as she's been."
Schmiedge is the team leader with 234 blocks and ranks third in kills (397).
Fremlin, an outside hitter, has filled in admirably since Allison Stanley went out midway through the season with an ankle injury.
"Kelly's been able to come in and get it done," Cibrone said of Fremlin, who has 193 kills and 97 blocks. "She doesn't get nervous. She's a team player."
One sophomore PHCC will count on, perhaps more than any other, is Ingrid Linhares, whose 655 digs rank second in the nation.
CURTAINS: The Saint Leo volleyball team concluded its season last week with losses to Florida Tech and Rollins. In Stephanie Radecki's first season as coach, the Lions went 11-19 overall, 2-12 in the Sunshine State Conference.
PHCC volleyball
WHAT: National Junior College Athletic Association Championships.
WHEN: Nov. 24-26.
WHERE: Southwest Missouri State in West Plains, Mo.
OPENING ROUND: Ninth-ranked PHCC plays No. 8 Arizona Western Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. in the first round of the double-elimination series.
