Cohesion, victory elude Clearwater

By SCOTT PURKS
Published November 3, 2006

TAMPA - In its biggest match of the year, at the most crucial moments, Clearwater struggled for unity.

The result was a 25-18, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17 loss to No. 1-ranked Plant on Thursday.

"I don't know why but we didn't play well together tonight," Clearwater coach Tracy Sedely said. "I don't think nerves were a factor because we've been in big matches this year. I think we were prepared for this.

"Before the match I told the team whatever happens, win or lose, we can hold our heads up if we give it everything we had. But tonight I don't think I can say that every single player gave it everything they had."

At the start, at least, it seemed Clearwater 25-1 was going to give Plant (26-2) everything it could handle.

After the first 26 points, the lead changed hands nine times and neither team had more than a three-point advantage.

Plant, however, went on a 7-1 run and stretched its lead to 20-13, a surge that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the match. Besides a letdown to open the third game, a stretch that put the Panthers in a 7-0 hole, it was basically all Plant.

"For some reason we couldn't set our strongest hitter (Kristen Fisher, who finished with six kills or about half her season's average)," Sedely said. "We just didn't play sound volleyball."

Meantime, Plant coach Leanna Taylor was pleased with the victory, but upset with the number of unforced errors, particularly on serves.

"I think both sides were being aggressive and that led to some (unforced errors)," Taylor said. "All I know is that come our next practice, we're going to serve about 200 balls each."

Scott Purks can be reached at purks@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3353.

[Last modified November 3, 2006, 06:15:50]