Bayshore Christian topples Cambridge

By ROD GIPSON
Published September 14, 2005

TAMPA - If there is any doubt about Bayshore Christian's ability to pull off a run at a third straight state championship, consult with Cambridge. No slouch itself in local volleyball circles, Cambridge could do little to stop the Faith Warriors Tuesday night, falling in three games.

Bayshore Christian (7-1) used its height advantage, skilled serving and quickness to win 25-5, 25-18, 25-21. The Faith Warriors saw little resistance in the opening game, but had to fend off some solid play from the Lancers later in the match.

"This is always a good rivalry," Bayshore coach Melanie Humenansky said. "And it was a good match for us. That was evident from the first game played."

After the opening game, where Bayshore Christian opened a 7-2 lead and never looked back, Cambridge (6-2) regrouped. The Lancers, who lost to Bayshore in last year's Class A region finals, stayed with the Faith Warriors for most of Game 2, taking a three-point lead at one point.

But behind outstanding play from hitters Heather Johnson, Sam Johnson and Adria Mullaney, Bayshore turned its deficit into a seven-point win in a matter of minutes. The final game saw a tough but outmanned Cambridge team jump to a 4-1 lead before being outscored 17-10.

Mullaney led Bayshore with 10 kills and 16 digs while Heather Johnson added seven kills and Jannica Mollett had eight. Sam Johnson, a freshman, had six service aces. Cambridge was led by Kelley Taylor and Lindsey Hancock, who combined for 15 kills.

"We've played some good teams so we've seen consistent competition," Humenansky said. "But we're not where we want to be. We have a month and a half before the playoffs and there's always areas to improve on."

Tampa Prep traveled to Tallahassee this past weekend to play Leon and Florida High, which are both in higher classifications than the Terrapins. Coach Mike Flynn said the trip to play better competition will benefit the Terrapins later in the season.

"We wanted to play some teams with bigger and stronger girls so that as we make our march to Lakeland (for the state tournament), we'll be better prepared," he said. "Then we came back and had a great practice Monday and the girls came out (Tuesday) with a very determined look on their faces."

BLOOMINGDALE 3, KING 0: Bloomingdale improved to 4-3, winning 25-18, 25-16 and 27-25. The Bulls' Addison Ritchie finished with nine kills and Elisabet Casto had eight. Ally Gray led Bloomingdale with 15 assists.

[Last modified September 14, 2005, 02:15:34]