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Land O' Lakes raises the bar for greatness

By FRANK PASTOR
Published September 22, 2005

LAND O'LAKES - After going 7-16 and losing to River Ridge in the opening round of the district tournament a year ago, Land O'Lakes hoped to win nine matches in coach Jessica McCoy's first season.

But after a 3-4 start, a Gators squad led by Hannah Newhall, Kayli Keough, Jessica Bryant, Kristina Moehle, Michelle O'Keefe and Ashley Grady decided to reassess their goals.

And raise them even higher.

"They want to win 14 games and make it through districts," McCoy said.

A five-game loss to Ridgewood Tuesday dealt a blow to their chances. Land O'Lakes will have to win its remaining eight matches as well as the district tournament (provided it is in the play-in game) to reach 14 wins.

But the Gators remain undaunted.

"It's going to take them trusting the defensive system I'm trying to instill in them and running their offensive options," McCoy said. "Their serve-receiving and defense has come a long way. They're just going to have to trust the system and have faith in each other."

GOOD TIMING: River Ridge couldn't have arrived at the light part of its schedule at a better time.

With three players (middle hitter Brittany Frey, rightside hitter Ashleigh Reams and outside hitter Emily Lehman) diagnosed with bronchitis, another (libero Joy Barquin) limited by an impinged biceps and Frey bothered by a wrenched back, the Royal Knights felt fortunate to be in a two-week stretch in which they played Pasco and Hernando on Saturday, Ridgewood on Wednesday and travel to Central on Sept. 29.

Christina Townsend had nine kills against Pasco and nine against Hernando as River Ridge (8-1) ran its winning streak to five matches.

Barquin's injury limited her ability to serve but didn't affect her passing. Frey, Reams and Lehman, who are receiving antibiotics and aren't contagious, were able to play. If Frey's back continues to be a problem, Reams could move over from the right side.

"We've had a few illnesses and some setbacks," coach Heidi Castelamare said, "but hopefully nothing we can't overcome."

WHATEVER IT TAKES: Mitchell (8-3) has had difficulty winning the scramble points in close matches, so it compensated with a dominating display of hitting in victories over Gaither and Alonso.

"They went ahead and improved on their strength," coach Keith Paulk said, "instead of improving their weaknesses."

Kelli Wiedinger had 15, Heather Zappacosta 11 and Layne Spencer seven of the Mustangs' 42 kills in a four-game victory over Gaither on Thursday.

Mitchell had 38 kills and only three errors in a three-game win over Alonso five nights later. Spencer had 14, Zappacosta nine and Wiedinger five.

But Paulk knows high-powered hitting will only take his team so far.

"If they're going to beat Countryside, and we're playing Sickles (today), which won the last time we played them in three close ones, we have to be able to play those scramble points as well," he said.

STEADY HANDS: Zephyrhills (5-5) continues to be plagued by inconsistency, but three players have provided steady play, including sophomore setter Kristen Arnold.

"We're running a 5-1, and she's handling the ball all the time and doing a good job with it," coach Jerry Stacy said. "That's been one player that's been doing very well."

Sophomore middle hitter Jessica McCall has improved her hitting and serving numbers, and senior Hillary Tunker has been dependable on defense, particularly with her passing, serve-receiving and digging.

"She's really set the standard for us," Stacy said.

AROUND THE COUNTY: River Ridge senior Britanny Castelamare sent a videotape to West Florida, which is looking for a setter for next season's team. She also is considering Florida International and Florida Atlantic. ... Hudson (9-0) is ranked No. 10 in Class 4A, and River Ridge received votes in 5A in the most recent state polls as determined by the Florida Sports Writers Association. ... Kristen Pawlowski and Emily Moore have combined for 40 blocks for Bishop McLaughlin (1-6).

[Last modified September 22, 2005, 01:04:14]