Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Land O'Lakes a team on the rise
By FRANK PASTOR
Published September 29, 2005
LAND O'LAKES - Jerry Stacy saw it coming.
The former Land O'Lakes coach noticed the Gators' size and talent the past few seasons. When former player Jessica McCoy was hired before this season, Stacy could tell it was the final piece in the puzzle.
"I know when I heard she got the job there, that was going to be a program that was up and coming," said Stacy, who now coaches at Zephyrhills.
Land O'Lakes announced its arrival Monday with a 25-21, 29-27, 25-18 victory over previously unbeaten Hudson, the state's seventh-ranked team in Class 4A. The win was the Gators' first over the Cobras in "at least eight or nine years," said Stacy, who coached at Land O'Lakes from 1982-2000.
"This is one of those things three to five years from now people are going to say, "I was there,"' said Land O'Lakes athletic director Chuck Moehle .
The victory came weeks after Land O'Lakes ended a 13-match, regular-season losing streak. The Gators (5-13) moved to within two wins of last season's 7-16 mark.
Land O'Lakes has played well in spurts, extending Ridgewood, Wesley Chapel and Central to four or five games. The Gators put it all together against Hudson (11-1) - trusting McCoy's offensive and defensive systems, staying positive and making fewer serving errors than the Cobras.
Kayli Keough and Hannah Newhall put the ball away at key moments. Kristina Moehle and Michelle O'Keefe provided consistent serve-receiving. Middle hitter Jessica Bryant blocked and communicated as well as at any time this season, and Ashley Grady, Cassie Lubbers and Lauren More added steady all-around play.
"The biggest thing we will take out is confidence," McCoy said.
GOOD NEWS FIRST: Pasco defeated Land O'Lakes, extended Hudson to four games and, at 6-8, has matched its win total from last season. But for all the good things the Pirates have done, they have been dogged by inconsistency.
"They know they can play with just about anybody in the county, just for whatever reason we lose a little bit of focus and it snowballs and we can't seem to get it back together," coach Ramiro Tejada said.
Tejada has been pleased with leftside hitters Ashley Naughton and Megan Barthle , who average about 12 kills per game; Brittney McDougal , who has been consistent with her blocking; setter Jenny Peters ; and libero Megan Gonzalez , who ranks among the county leader in digs.
"We just haven't been able to put it all together," Tejada said.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: At the beginning of the season, it was passing and serve-receiving. Later, it was tip block coverage.
Zephyrhills spent much of Wednesday's practice working on hitting after the Bulldogs were inconsistent in losses to Gulf and Ridgewood and a win over South Sumter during the past week.
"What you want to be doing is looking at strong points and weak points," Stacy said. "Right now, you've got to be playing to steadily try to make improvements individually and as a team so you have a chance to compete at districts."
Everyone has had their moments, butStacy has been particularly pleased with the recent play of sophomore setter Kristen Arnold and senior outside hitter Hillary Tunker , who leads Zephyrhills in passing and digs.
SHARING THE WEALTH: Jasmina Vuksanovic's ability to set up hitters besides Santana Lennon was a key factor in Gulf's three-match winning streak. Sophomore Shelby Flint and freshman Morgan Hernandez , a replacement for Samantha Beckman (lung infection), receiving scoring opportunities in victories over Pasco, Springstead and Zephyrhills.
Outside hitter Amanda Gardner has played consistently, and Kayla Wilson has come on after splitting time with Julie Wisniewski .
"That's what I've been looking for all season," coach Shari Schau said.
AROUND THE COUNTY: Naughton has received interest from Webber International. ... Freshman Emily Addessi has emerged as the strongest passer on a young, inexperienced Bishop McLaughlin squad, assistant coach Meagan Sheehan said.
[Last modified September 29, 2005, 01:19:16]
Share your thoughts on this story
|
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Email editor
