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Countryside no district pushover for Mitchell

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published September 12, 2006

TRINITY - Mitchell has taken the first step toward proving itself as the best volleyball team in the county by taking down River Ridge last week.

Doing the same in Class 6A, District 7 will be a little bit tougher.

Okay, make that a lot tougher.

Tonight at 7:30, the undefeated Mustangs (7-0) host once-beaten Countryside, a team and program coach Keith Paulk is all to familiar with as a former coach at Clearwater.

The Cougars are coming off their first loss of the season, against rival Palm Harbor University. But led by sophomore Madison Truluck, the Cougars have posted wins over state power Berkeley Prep (25-20, 25-17, 25-19) and Clearwater Central Catholic (25-9, 18-25, 25-20, 25- 23).

In the district, they are unbeaten, including a straight-set win over a Sickles team Mitchell vanquished earlier.

That all adds up to the Mustangs' toughest test of the young season. The Cougars may be the hardest-hitting team they see all season.

But the Mustangs' front line is supposed to be one of the school's best ever. Kelli Wiedinger, Layne Spencer and Heather Zappacosta will be called on to contain Countryside's powerful hitters. Ashley Stager leads the team in blocks.

The team's serving, which will play a big part in keeping the Cougars off balance, has been exceptional this season as setter Leah Webber has been nearly perfect.

Mitchell won't be the only county volleyball team looking to make a statement. Another unbeaten, Land O'Lakes, will square off at home against River Ridge in its first meaningful match of the year.

[Last modified September 12, 2006, 07:29:54]