Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Lions leap onto the scene

By Steve Lee
Published November 15, 2006

ST. LEO - Now this is more like what coach Sam Cibrone had in mind when he left Pasco-Hernando Community College for Saint Leo three years ago.

Following two losing seasons, the Lions won a school-record 21 games and made their playoff debut. And their 11 losses marked the third fewest in a season.

"I was happy to make the tournament in three years," said Cibrone, 48-48 at Saint Leo. "I knew I had a good corps of kids. I knew if I recruited hard for three years we'd have a shot."

Saint Leo's season ended Thursday with a 19-30, 27-30, 17-30 loss to ninth-ranked Florida Southern in the first round of the Division II South Region Tournament hosted by Tampa.

That defeat notwithstanding, a record-breaking season that included four new individual marks as well has Cibrone optimistic about the program's future.

"I hope it sets the tone where we're fighting for 20 wins every year," Cibrone said.

Two key players for this season as well as the future stepped up in their playoff debuts. Sophomores Audrey Starkebaum 12 kills and Amanda Cook (18 digs) led the Lions against Florida Southern.

Before the tournament began, the Sunshine State Conference announced its top players, with Starkebaum named to the second team. Michelle Nogueras and Chelsea Armer made the all-freshmen team.

Additionally, Starkebaum and Cook were named to the ESPN The Magazine academic all-district third team.

MISSED OUT: For the first time in eight seasons, PHCC's volleyball team did not advance to the junior college nationals. The Conquistadors went 1-2 in the state series.

"I was a little disappointed for (PHCC coach) Kim (Whitney)," said Cibrone, who before coming to Saint Leo coached PHCC to four national appearances in four seasons. "She works hard out there. Sometimes the other teams step up at the right time."

Five PHCC players made the all-Suncoast Conference team. First-teamers were Amber Davidson and Brittni Murphy (Hernando). Jessica Schachleiter, Danielle Heisler and De'Creisha Arrington made the second team.

Davidson also made the all-state tournament team, and she and Murphy were named to the Florida Community College Athletic Association's all-state and National Junior College Athletic Association's all-Region VII teams.

Contact Steve Lee at lee@sptimes.com or (352) 521-6517.

[Last modified November 15, 2006, 06:58:06]