Plant slams home win

By SCOTT PURKS
Published November 3, 2006

TAMPA - If Plant has a weakness, it might be serving, as in it serves too many balls in the net or out of bounds. Other than that, what's to pick on?

Case in point is Thursday's 25-18, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17 victory over Clearwater, a team that came into the Panthers' gym with a 25-1 record that included only 10 or so dropped games all season.

"We did a lot of good things and got it done," Plant coach Leanna Taylor said. "But we did serve poorly. You can't just give teams points like that. Particularly teams as good as Clearwater."

Didn't matter. Plant (25-2) pretty much dominated behind superior digging and passing and the hitting of Christine Williamson, who led all players with 17 kills (11 more than Clearwater's top hitter).

Yes, there were the first 26 points of the first game, in which the lead changed hands nine times and neither team held more than a three-point lead. And there was the beginning of the third game, in fell behind 7-0.

"There was never a time tonight that we panicked or got worried," said Plant setter Kellie Catanach, who led all players with 39 assists. "We knew that if we played to our ability and settled down that we would be all right.

"(After getting behind 7-0 in the third game, which was a Panthers loss), I knew we would pick it up and put it all back together."

Clearwater coach Tracy Sedely, meantime, wasn't too pleased with anything.

"I don't know why, but we didn't play well together tonight," 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."

Up next

State semifinals

At the Lakeland Center. All games Nov. 10.

Class 5A: Plant vs. Tallahassee Leon

Class 3A: Berkeley Prep vs. Jacksonville Bolles

[Last modified November 3, 2006, 06:26:46]