Mitchell knocks off undefeated Zephyrhills

By IZZY GOULD, Times Staff Writer
Published September 20, 2007

ZEPHYRHILLS - The banners hanging in the gymnasium tell a story of a program that once powered its way through Pasco County. Zephyrhills enjoyed three conference titles in the 1980s and two more in the '90s, including an elite eight and a final four.

These days it's programs like Mitchell that others use to measure success, and Wednesday was no different. The Bulldogs knew a win would legitimize their undefeated record.

At the end of five grueling games Zephyrhills had experienced something new - a loss. Mitchell came from behind to take down Zephyrhills - 25-23, 24-26, 25-27, 25-20 and 15-9.

"Heck, man, we just took Mitchell to five games," Zephyrhills coach Tiffany Bibby said. "I can't be upset with that."

If you ask Mustangs coach Keith Paulk, Mitchell (8-2) came out flat and perhaps a little too confident against the Bulldogs (9-1). He expected a battle and despite falling behind in Game 1, they managed squeak out a win thanks to the strong play of Amy Petrella firing from the outside.

Zephyrhills struck back in Game 2, going up by as many as four points, then took control in Game 3 thanks to fine hitting from Jessica Davis, Taylor Willis and Lindsay Arnold.

The Mustangs relied on the towering Lea Webber and Victoria Panarese, who filled in nicely for Ariela Salvati, who was out with a sprained knee. During one timeout in the fourth game Webber interrupted Paulk and demanded her teammates step up.

Mitchell powered its way to a nine-point lead before taking Game 4, then cruised to an eight-point lead in the final game.

Mitchell d. Zephyrhills

25-23, 24-26, 25-27, 25-20, 15-9

[Last modified September 20, 2007, 00:44:57]