Unbeaten Bulldogs bounce Sharks

By David Murphy and Brandon Wright
Published September 14, 2007

ZEPHYRHILLS - Two of the three undefeated volleyball teams on the North Suncoast squared off Thursday night, but the showdown was a tad anticlimactic.

Zephyrhills outscored Nature Coast 75-41 in a three-game sweep of the Sharks, improving to 7-0 with surprising ease.

Senior Jessica Davis tallied 10 kills, spearheading an all-around effort by the Bulldogs, who have defeated their top two competitors in Class 4A, District 8.

Senior setter/middle hitter Kristen Arnold had a great game, finishing with 12 assists and five kills while frustrating the Sharks with six blocks.

Sophomore hitter Taylor Willis chipped in with 10 blocks, five aces and four kills, while Jessica McCall added eight kills, three blocks and two aces.

Junior libero Megan Gonzalez was hobbled with a sprained ankle, forcing Willis to help serve, which she normally does not do.

"I think our team is close enough where everyone can fill in different roles," Bulldogs coach Tiffany Bibby said.

Zephyrhills now has back-to-back wins over Hudson and Nature Coast, the teams that figure to be in competition for the two playoff spots in Class 4A, District 8.

Nature Coast entered the game 5-0, but never really pushed Zephyrhills. The Sharks scored just 20 points combined in the first two games before rallying in the third.

HCA 3, St. John Lutheran 1

Hernando Christian accomplished something no other volleyball team in the school's history had done: beat St. John Lutheran.

Ellie Langley had eight kills and three Lions finished with four aces as Hernando Christian beat visiting St. John Lutheran 25-20, 25-23, 21-25, 25-15.

"I would have to say that was the sweetest victory we've ever had here," Lions coach Sue Murphy said. "Very sweet."

Murphy said that there is something special about this year's version.

"They are excited, they have the desire and they have the athletic ability to go out there and win," Murphy said. "This is the best team the school's ever had."

Audrey Allen, Danielle Kuka and Cassi Byrne each had four aces for the Lions. Jackie Butler finished with seven kills and Kuka added 21 assists.

"They knew they had to be on top of their game coming in," Murphy said. "And they definitely were."

Hernando Christian next plays Central on Tuesday and will visit St. John Lutheran for the rematch Oct. 9.

[Last modified September 13, 2007, 23:17:17]