Without three of their top players, the Mustangs go for their 50th straight victory today.
By FRANK PASTOR
Published October 6, 2004
NEW PORT RICHEY - They can practice. They can watch their teammates compete.
But players who miss even one practice without first calling coach Ray Cisbani can't play in the next match.
It's a stiff penalty, but one the Mitchell girls coach hasn't had to enforce in three seasons.
"They like the reputation of being one of the top public schools in regard to their golf program," Cisbani said. "And the last two to three years, they've really taken a lot of pride in that."
In fact, they've taken it to extremes. Mitchell can extend its regular-season win streak to 50 when it plays Pasco and Zephyrhills at 3:30 p.m. today at Hidden Creek Golf Club in Zephyrhills.
The streak, which does not include tournaments or postseason matches, started 31/2 years ago under coach Steve Knobl. The Mustangs won their final seven of 2001 before Knobl left to become a vice principal at Land O'Lakes.
During its four-year existence, Mitchell has won four Sunshine Athletic Conference titles and two district titles, qualified for state twice and set a four-player, nine-hole school record of 144 two years ago at Hidden Creek.
Cisbani wasn't sure what to expect this year after losing three of his top five players to graduation. Times 2002 county player of the year Amanda Moore signed with Old Dominion, where she is the Monarchs' No. 3 player. Mitchell also lost No. 3 Katie Taylor and No. 5 Danielle Pomeroy.
But Mitchell (7-0) is better than ever. The Mustangs' average of 156.4 is 22 strokes fewer than two years ago. They can win their fifth conference title Oct. 13 at Lexington Oaks and will be among the favorites for the district title Oct. 19 at The Groves.
Mitchell returned only junior Ashley Aguilera, senior Victoria Cooper and sophomore Stephanie Pitts from last season. Aguilera's 37 average leads the team. Cooper dropped nearly five strokes to 40.6 at No. 4, and Pitts plays No. 6.
Two transfers and a returning player have bolstered the Mustangs. Carolyn Salerno, who moved from Gainesville, and Samantha Chu, who transferred from Genesis Prep in New Port Richey, average 39.4. Stacy Bednarz averages 45-46 at No. 5 after missing last season with a hand injury.
Mitchell focuses on specific phases of the game during 21/2- to 3-hour daily practices, rain or shine, stopping only for lightning. The Mustangs also refrain from talking about the streak, concentrating instead on lowering their scores.
"I'm sure they're very excited about it," Cisbani said. "They're all looking forward to (today), but as a whole, they're a bunch of modest kids. They'll ask me, "Coach, what am I doing wrong in my swing?' instead of, "How close are we to 50?"'
