Poised for success

Plant's volleyball team, which finished last season with a 26-2 record, returns six of seven starters focusing on a return trip to state.

By TERRY JONES
Published August 15, 2006

	[Times photo: Daniel Wallace]
	Plant High School senior Christine Williamson successfully reaches and returns a volley during practice on Monday.

BRANDON - The county volleyball schedule indicates Plant's season begins tonight at Sickles.

Potential and personnel indicate it could end three months from now in Lakeland.

With six of its seven starters back from a team that went 26-2 and made it to the Class 5A region semifinals, Plant appears poised to contend for a state tournament berth.

Last weekend, Panther coach Leanna Taylor's players took defending Class 6A champion Winter Park to five sets before dropping the championship match in a challenging preseason tournament in Orlando.

"Our girls played an excellent tournament in Orlando," Taylor said. "Just a few early season errors kept us from winning it all. The girls did well though. Those mistakes will be corrected, and we should be competitive this season."

Junior setter Kellie Catanach, who led the team in assists last year with 808, returns to direct the Panthers' versatile offense.

A 6-foot-1 college prospect reared in a volleyball family, she made 62 blocks to bolster the Panthers defense.

Senior 5-10 middle hitter Christine Williamson, a University of Miami commitment, also returns after tallying 278 kills and 93 blocks.

Three other seniors intensify the Panthers attack: outside hitters Jennifer Chamblee (226 digs) and Allison Sharp (263 kills, 187 digs), and middle hitter Kaley Read (147 kills, 60 blocks).

"Jennifer brings alert ball control to our game, with great passing and digging skills," said Taylor, whose club fell in five games to eventual state champ Venice in last season's region semis.

"Allison brings a lot of energy as a hard attacker and a great all-around athlete. Kaley is consistent. Nothing gets past her, and nothing gets her off her game. She is totally unemotional."

Cameron Hill is the returning libero. The sophomore defensive specialist, under the new libero rule, will not only have a different-colored jersey, but will be allowed to serve for one player as well. Taylor said Hill's strong anticipation skills help her get to the right spot.

Elsewhere, 5-foot-11 outside hitter Danielle Erb is back after earning a starting spot as a freshman.

Madison Martin, a 6-footer who trained with the national team in the offseason, also could start as a ninth-grader.

"Martin is a natural athlete who applies her talent to volleyball," Taylor added.

Taylor said she's excited about the potential of her team this season.

"Our girls play every point like it is match point," she said. "When they do fall behind, they don't get rattled. They just play one point at a time. I expect a successful season from our girls this season."

RETURNING ALL-COUNTY PLAYERS:

Returning first- and second-team members of the Times' 2005 All-County volleyball team:

NAME, SCHOOL POS. YR. COMMENT

Christina Theofilos, Berkeley Prep DS* 10 Adds excitement to match

Kate Parker, Berkeley Prep S 12 All-state pick in 2005

Kellie Catanach, Plant S 11 Team-best 808 assists in '05

Christine Williamson, Plant MH 12 Already committed to Miami

Jennifer Chamblee, Plant OH 12 Ball-control specialist, great passer

Adria Mullaney, Bayshore Christian OH 12 Aggressive player, skilled athlete

Kwynn Kirkhuff, Tampa Prep S 12 Great court general

- Libero

DISTRICT ASSIGNMENTS

Class 6A-7: Alonso, Clearwater Countryside, Gaither, Mitchell, St. Petersburg, Sickles

Class 6A-8: Durant, East Bay, Lakeland, Plant City, Riverview, Sarasota Riverview, Sarasota

Class 5A-District 8: Armwood, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Freedom, King, Newsome, Tampa Bay Tech, Wharton

Class 5A-District 10: Blake, Chamberlain, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Leto, Middleton, Plant, Robinson

Class 3A-District 11: Berkeley Prep, Clearwater Central Catholic, Academy of the Holy Names, Lennard, St. Petersburg Catholic, Tampa Catholic

Class 2A-District 11: Indian Rocks Christian, Keswick Christian, Northside Christian, Bradenton St. Stephen's Episcopal, Shorecrest Prep, Tampa Prep

Class 1A-District 9: Bayshore Christian, Calvary Christian, Cambridge, Canterbury, Citrus Park Christian, Lakeside Christian, Oldsmar Christian, Seffner Christian, Tampa Baptist

KEY DATES

Aug. 14: Start of regular season

Oct. 16: Start of district tournaments

Oct. 24: Region tournament quarterfinals

Oct. 28: Region tournament semifinals

Nov. 2: Region tournament finals

Nov. 8-11: State tournament, Lakeland Center

[Last modified August 15, 2006, 06:10:14]