But defending champ Tampa Prep is going home after losing in Fort Myers.
By Compiled from staff and wire reports
Published October 28, 2005
BRADENTON - Seffner Christian overcame two large deficits in the opening game and battled back to eliminate host Bradenton Christian 28-26, 25-12, 25-18.
Initially, the Panthers (22-5) had the home crowd rocking, jumping out to leads of 16-7 and 23-16 in the first game. But powered by a strong back row, Seffner Christian (20-3) took eight of the game's next nine points. After a brief Bradenton Christian surge, the Crusaders sealed the win on senior Ashley Cunningham's kill.
Seffner Christian never let Bradenton back in it. After stringing together a six-point rally midway through Game 1, the host team never scored more than three consecutive points all night. Seffner never even gave up the lead after the first game.
The Crusaders scored the first six points in the second game and cruised in Game 3, never giving the Panthers a chance to climb back.
"Once they get the confidence that they can win," Seffner Christian coach Mary Beth Varner said, "they're right up there."
Evangelical ousts Terps
FORT MYERS - Flying in the face of history, host Fort Myers Evangelical Christian make quick work of Tampa Prep with a 25-15, 25-19, 25-23 decision to oust the Terrapins. Evangelical had been eliminated by Hillsborough County teams for two seasons running. Two years ago Tampa Prep did the job, while last season Berkeley Prep was the victor.
The loss ends Tampa Prep's (13-15) quest for a second straight state title and 16th overall.
"We had some youth in different positions, but that wasn't really it," Terps coach Mike Flynn said. "We just didn't make plays or have the same type of players."
Allison Davis, who has orally committed to North Carolina State, handed out 25 assists and added nine kills to lead the winners.
