Terrapins stay true

Tampa Prep is unfazed by the graduation of key starters, instead utilizing senior talent to try for another title run.

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published September 22, 2005

TAMPA - They don't hope for success at Tampa Prep.

They expect it.

Inside the school's gymnasium, the walls are filled with banners that honor the Terrapins' incredible total of 15 state championships, a number that ranks second best among all Florida schools. The banners are meant to reward those of the past, but serve another purpose by inspiring players of the present.

"As soon as they step on campus here, they know what to expect," second-year coach Mike Flynn said. "That's Tampa Prep volleyball."

The most recent banner was produced last fall, when Flynn's team went 23-4 and claimed the Class 2A state championship with a 25-13, 25-16, 25-21 victory over previously unbeaten Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy in Lakeland.

Much of that team, however, is gone.

The Terrapins lost four key starters from 2004, including outside hitter Jess Thomas, the Times' All-Suncoast player of the year, and Brittany Pierpont, arguably the state's premier setter. Some programs might have used such significant departures as a ready-made excuse for a drop off in production, Tampa Prep, to its credit, has not.

"A lot of people doubted us," senior outside hitter Ashley Musolino said.

They don't any more.

Entering Friday's 5 p.m. showdown at Class 3A-No. 1 Berkeley Prep, Tampa Prep, the No. 2-ranked team in 2A , is 8-2 against a schedule that again is among the most difficult in the state. Flynn credits his seniors - Andrea Holder, Sam McAvoy, Musolino, Kat Pekkala, Rachael Phillips and Nicole Watkins - for much of this success.

"They really are the leaders on the team," Flynn said. "They're doing a great job."

"On paper," McAvoy said, this squad might not be as talented as the 2004 group. But none of the seniors seem bothered by that. If anything, they say, this team has more chemistry, more drive and more heart than its predecessor.

"We've really improved more than last year," said Phillips, a returning starter at outside hitter. "And we're working together better than the seniors did (a year ago). All six of us really get along great."

Can this Terrapins team continue to progress?

And, more importantly, is there a chance another banner might be raised in a couple of months?

"We can definitely do as well as last year," McAvoy said.

Times staff writer Keith Niebuhr can be reached at 226-3350 or online at niebuhr@sptimes.com

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