Volleyball preview

By BRANDON WRIGHT, Times Staff Writer
Published August 26, 2007

The buzz word surrounding Indian Rocks Christian last year was "first." It was the first time in school history the Eagles won a district title, beat Tampa Prep, made the playoffs, received a state ranking and reached the region semifinals. ¶ This year's word: last. ¶ "All the seniors realize there's a target on their backs now," coach Mark Foster said. "This is their last chance."

That target stems from the Eagles ascending level of success the past few years. As freshman, some in the group didn't even know all the game's rules. Last year they were a steps from reaching the state semifinals.

"It feels good to know that when teams walk into our gym, they'll be thinking, 'IRC is tough,' " senior setter Tabitha Henley said. "Before it used to be, 'IRC is no big deal.' "

The Eagles lost just two players from last year's 24-6 club, neither of whom were key components. IRC has eight seniors on the roster this season, most of whom have played with each other for four years.

"Their attitude hasn't been overconfidence," Foster said. "There's a high level of maturity on the team, and their goal is to become one cohesive unit right now."

IRC is lead by fiery senior libero Jessica Jones and heavy-handed junior outside hitter Kenzie Reynolds, both of whom were Times' first-team all-county selections in 2006. Senior Brianne Yeates, a dominant middle blocker, and Henley both garnered second-team honors. Seniors Liz Schaner outside hitter and Liz Zeitler (middle blocker) round out a team that hasn't forgotten last year's season-ending home loss in the region semifinals against Orlando First Academy.

"We talk about (that match) a lot," Henley said. "We didn't do the little things against them, and that's something Coach Foster has been preaching - the little things."

The biggest challenge facing Foster, last season's Times' coach of the year, will be to keep things fresh for a team with much familiarity.

"I don't want them to lose their interest in getting better," he said. "So pretty much every practice, we do things different and change the format."

And while Henley said "there has been pressure every year," this season will be the last time the eight seniors get a shot at another "first" at IRC: a state championship.

"I'll tell you what," Foster said. "They're ready."

Better be, it's their last chance.

Top players to watch

Channing Salava, Clearwater, Sr.
If there's something that Salava, who committed to Belmont, can't do, we haven't seen it.

Sara Rex, East Lake, Sr.
Long middle blocker who's overall game has improved each season.

Madison Truluck, Countryside, Jr.
Truluck, who plays with her heart on her sleeve, may have the best arm swing in the county.

Mallory Kiley, Palm Harbor, Sr.
Will miss the sweet setting of Sydney Miller but has the ability to take over a match.

Evan Ligon, Lakewood, Jr.
A former basketball player, Ligon jumps out of the gym.

Players who'll have breakout seasons

Mary Michael Toups, Clearwater Central Catholic, So.
Impressive as a freshman, look for Toups to emerge as a top player this year.

Shea Fontana, Palm Harbor, Sr.
Fontana, who's had a strong summer, can do a little bit of everything.

Andrea Tagarelli, East Lake, So.
Tagarelli set for the Eagles last year, but her transition to libero has been seamless so far.

Kayla Walton, Northside Christian, So.
This 6-foot-2 middle blocker is poised to have a huge season for the Mustangs.

Kaitlin and Kristi Posnak, Clearwater, Srs.
With Times' player of the year Kristin Fisher gone, the Posnak twins' play will be critical to the Tornadoes' success.

Taylor Whaley, Lakewood, Jr.
A natural hitter, the athletic Whaley will most likely set this season for the Spartans.

[Last modified August 25, 2007, 23:55:38]