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Warriors sophomore serves notice to postseason opponents

Amy Green has been a key offensive weapon for Seven Rivers Christian.

By DAWN REISS
Published October 31, 2006

LECANTO - The bouncing balls echo in Seven Rivers Christian's gym. Warriors coach Tim Bowman watches as his team bumps the ball back and forth in a warmup drill.

It is a typical practice on a Monday afternoon, except this week is special. The Warriors 23-6 could earn a trip to state with a win Thursday at Ocala St. John Lutheran (26-2). The winner advances to the Nov. 10 state semis at the Lakeland Center.

Heavy hitters like Rachael Capra and Carolyn Allen have propelled the Warriors' success. But role players like sophomore Amy Green, who plays in the back row, have made a large impact. Her perfect serving in the past five matches is the Warriors' best.

On Saturday, Green's ace ended the 25-17, 25-11, 25-16 region semifinal against Tallahassee John Paul II.

"I can't remember the last time she missed a serve," Bowman joked. "Her serve isn't a rocket but she does really well. She just puts it in play."

In the region quarterfinals against Gainesville St. Francis, Green went 19-for-19 with two aces and on Saturday she made all 24 of her attempts, capped by five aces. During Seven Rivers' last regular-season match against Crystal River on Oct. 13, she went 29-for-29.

There are floaters and some with back spin. She can serve deep and short to keep her opponents guessing. Since the Sept. 30 Pine Castle Christian Tournament, she has only missed one serve in eight matches.

Her older sister, Julie, was a member of the 2000 team that won Seven Rivers' last region championship. She has heard stories. As the fourth of six children, she would like to be on the next team to win.

Green began playing volleyball in fifth grade, but this is her first season on varsity. Bowman wasn't even sure how much playing time she would receive or where she would fit in.

"I didn't know how she was going to handle the varsity pressure," he said. "And during the Pine Castle tournament, she just didn't look good."

Green missed several serves and Bowman pulled her out of the third game against Boone.

"He just told me that I was better than that," Green said.

Green turned things around by trying to have more fun when she played.

Now she bounces the ball once, looks for a spot on the court and it always seems to go in.

Dawn Reiss can be reached at dreiss@sptimes.com or (352) 860-7303.

[Last modified October 30, 2006, 23:25:29]