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Colleges

Chemistry lessons key for PHCC

Beth Slabaugh, a sophomore, has 73 kills for PHCC, which has gotten off to a 7-4 start.

By STEVE LEE
Published September 13, 2005

NEW PORT RICHEY - Having starred at Clearwater Central Catholic and Kansas State before playing professionally in the U.S. and Spain, Kim Whitney has seen her share of pressure-packed games.

Whitney has proven she can handle those situations as a coach as well.

In her first season at Pasco-Hernando Community College, Whitney helped continue a winning tradition by leading the team to a 13th straight Suncoast Conference title and sixth consecutive appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association Championships.

That put Whitney in select company. She is PHCC's third coach to reach nationals, joining Sam Cibrone (four), who now coaches Saint Leo, and Heidi Grunwald (one).

But last year is history and Whitney has the Conquistadors off to a 7-4 start, including a runner-up finish in this weekend's Indian River tournament.

"The girls came out on fire," Whitney said, adding a warning about overconfidence in what she views as a highly competitive conference. "A lot of the teams, they're all pretty even so its anybody's game."

For some programs, a 30-win season might be a milestone. Not so for Whitney, who said, "We don't really focus on the 30, not more so than winning the state (tournament) and going on to nationals."

The Conquistadors must do so without Ramona Criste, a 2005 graduate who as an all-state and all-region setter led PHCC with 1,300 assists last season.

Sophomores Micque Parker, Beth Slabaugh and Heather Hansen are among the key returnees who the coach hopes will serve as examples by sharing their experiences at nationals.

This season, Parker leads PHCC with 164 assists, Slabaugh has 73 kills and Hansen has 23 digs.

"The girls from last year, just to be able to go to a national tournament," Whitney said. "They've been there and they want it again."

Whitney's first recruiting class includes six players with club experience. Two freshman, defensive specialist Amber Davidson (PHCC's leader with 63 digs) and outside hitter Melissa Whitescarver played on Venice's state finalists last fall.

Three other newcomers are local. Setter Brittni Murphy led Hernando to two district titles and two region semifinals, middle hitter Erica Livengood (Central) was a Florida Athletic Coaches Association all-star and middle hitter Allyson Ray was an all-state player who as a Hudson senior set school single-season records for hitting (91 percent) and kills (311).

Brazil's Graciliana Silva is the other recruit.

Whitney, who has coached the Sandspurs club program founded by Cibrone, feels club experience is vital to PHCC's success.

"It just gives them a higher level of play and gives them additional reps," Whitney said of her club players.

Without Criste, the Conquistadors lack a go-to player. So, Whitney says, chemistry and solid team play will determine outcomes.

"Last year, we were strong in hitting and consistency," Whitney said. "We see a lot of that again. We seem to have a lot of players that work well together. There's more of a team effort."

[Last modified September 13, 2005, 01:46:17]