The Hurricanes sweep St. Petersburg in an anticipated meet.
By CHRIS GIRANDOLA
Published September 8, 2005
ST. PETERSBURG - This was it. This was the chance. This was the time Palm Harbor University would show vulnerability and be challenged - maybe even lose. But that will have to wait until another day.
In a meeting talked about all preseason, the Hurricanes came into the George W. Stovall aquatics center at Northeast and routed St. Petersburg on the boys side and girls side. The PHU boys took eight of 12 events and finished second in the other four to win 122-64 and the Hurricane girls also won eight of 12 events on their way to a 114-70 victory.
"The boys knew it was going to be close," PHU coach Lisa Bitting said. "But, they were on a mission. They knew they'd be tested. Mission accomplished."
The highlight came in the relay events between the boys teams, and the Hurricanes won all three. The PHU team of Levi Curnutte, Andrew Mertens, Justin Alidina and Raymon Banacki got the momentum started, winning the 200 medley though their time of 1:44.30 was the same as the Green Devils team of John-Paul Newfield, Kevin Nardozzi, Brent Sunnucks and Andy Stoddard. A referee's decision went for the Hurricanes.
Palm Harbor U. went on to take the last two relays, the 200 and 400 free.
"We look as this as practice for a championship meet," said Curnutte, who also won the 100 individual freestyle. "When you go against the top competition, it gives you a gauge on how you're doing and what the outlook for the rest of the season will be."
On the girls side, Kari Stevens won the 50 and the 100 free and Colleen Bauza took the 200 free and helped lead the winning 200 free relay team.
The Green Devils had another outstanding performance from freshman Tracy Rorer, who won the 200 IM, the 100 breaststroke and helped lead the winning 200 medley relay.
The Green Devil boys were led by Kevin Nardozzi, who won the 50 free and 100 back.
