Whaley pitches in for Spartans

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published August 30, 2007

Taylor Whaley sparkled for Lakewood as the Spartans improved to 2-0 with a 25-15, 25-10, 25-10 victory against visiting Seminole on Wednesday night. Whaley did a little bit of everything for Lakewood, recording 10 kills, six aces and seven digs in the 5A-11 district match.

"Taylor can hit, she can set and she can pass," Lakewood coach Sean O'Flannery said. "She just has the whole package."

Lakewood trailed 10-4 in the first game before ripping through a 21-5 run to close it out. O' Flannery said it was a matter "of working out the kinks and settling down."

Lakewood's Evan Ligon finished with six kills and a pair of aces. The Spartans host Tarpon Springs at 6 p.m. Friday.

Tarpon Springs d. Largo

25-15, 25-23, 25-18

The Spongers' Kelsey Albina had seven kills and teammate Jordan Lawlor added three blocks to lead host Tarpon Springs in its season opener. Spongers coach Patrick Sneed also noted the strong play of freshman Karli Collins (three aces), as well as Michigan transfers Baylie Barber-Klauka and sister Ashlee.

Shorecrest d. Canterbury

25-11, 26-24, 25-21

The Chargers' Kim Newton had a big night as Shorecrest won its opener. Newton had 12 kills, 10 digs and seven aces while teammate Rachel Sanderford added 15 assists, seven aces and four kills.

"We start five seniors so we have some good leadership," Shorecrest coach Kelly Jackson said. "We're hosting districts this year and we think we have a chance to advance past that, which is something we haven't done in a while."

Erica Soike added six digs for the Chargers.

Clearwater d. Dixie Hollins

25-11, 25-8, 25-11

The Tornadoes cruised in a tuneup before clashes with upcoming home matches against East Lake (7 tonight) and Countryside (Friday, 5 p.m.). Jberia Davis had three kills, Arielle Myers recorded four aces and Kahley Patrick finished with 13 assists.

Boca Ciega d. Pinellas Park

25-16, 25-21, 25-19

Bianca Iannello's match-high 12 aces led the way for the Pirates. The Patriots' Abigail Storm had seven kills and six aces while teammate Briell Papadopolous posted five kills and seven digs.

"We have a lot of new girls, so despite the loss, I was very proud of our team," Patriots coach Elizabeth Shumate said. "They played together and I was impressed."

Boys Golf

Lakewood 195, D. Hollins 208

John Toronski knew he could count on Nick Dogali, but it was the contributions from the bottom half of his Spartans lineup that left him pleasantly surprised.

Dogali carded a match-low 46 to lead Lakewood at the St. Petersburg Country Club, but it was sophomore Michael Abate's career-best 49 that had Toronski amped.

"I have seen a great deal of improvement," Toronski said. "It was nice to see (Abate) come in at 49. I wasn't expecting that."

Toronski also pointed to senior Dylan Anderson's 49 in his first career match.

"I think Dylan came out for the team in either his freshman or sophomore year," the second-year coach said. "He didn't play last year but I wish he would have."

[Last modified August 30, 2007, 01:38:29]