Tornadoes remain on PCAC throne

Clearwater wins its fifth straight title, sweeping Lakewood a third time this season.

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published October 12, 2006

CLEARWATER - The only difference was the location.

For the second straight year, Clearwater swept Lakewood - this time at the Tornadoes' Jack L. Wilson Gymnasium - to win the Pinellas County Athletic Conference Championship 25-18, 25-10, 25-17.

The win marked the fifth consecutive PCAC title for Clearwater and 22nd overall. It also was the Tornadoes' third sweep of Lakewood this season.

"We'd beaten them twice already so I was a little worried about us not playing up to our level, but the girls really stayed focused and accomplished a goal we'd set out to achieve," Clearwater coach Tracy Sedley said.

Clearwater also remained unbeaten (17-0) but despite the spotless record, just entered the most recent state poll at No. 10 in Class 5A for the first time this season. Clearwater wraps up the regular season this weekend at the Jacksonville Bolles Invitational.

"We'll see some strong teams up there, but it will be a good test before districts next week," Sedley said.

The Tornadoes' strong serving was on display Wednesday, led by Channing Salava's three aces. Clearwater recorded 10 in all and routinely put the Spartans in poor passing positions.

"Our serving was beneficial and we made it difficult for them," Sedley said.

Kristin Fisher recorded 15 kills, including eight in Game 1. Salava added seven while Gina Hedrick led Lakewood (14-4) with six.

IRC falls in Bay Conference

Indian Rocks Christian made an appearance in the state poll for the first time this season, but the Bay Conference Championship will have to wait at least one more year as Bradenton Christian defeated the Golden Eagles 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 25-12 to win the title.

The Eagles, tied for No. 10 in Class 2A with Tampa Prep, have dropped three straight matches and are 20-5 after winning their first 12. Kindal Farver recorded team highs in aces (three) and digs (14) against Class A No. 2 Bradenton Christian. IRC opens district play next Thursdays.

[Last modified October 12, 2006, 01:40:30]