A perfect pairing

The talented tandem has Plant looking toward another title.

By JOE SMITH
Published September 26, 2007

TAMPA - Before Danielle Erb traded her ballet slippers for sneakers, she was a whiz on the dance floor.

The Plant junior spent several years in lessons and competitions, from ballet to hip-hop. Believe it or not, Erb - one of the state's top outside hitters - nearly tried out for Plant's dance team.

"I wanted to be a Dancero," she said with a grin. "But then I fell in love with volleyball."

Similarly, sophomore Maddie Martin entered Plant, as Erb says, "a soccer stud"; bending it like Beckham came before blocking a big kill.

But now, Erb and Martin form arguably the bay area's top outside hitting tandems. Not surprisingly, they blend different styles; Erb more finesse, Martin provides the power.

"They're two of the best," Tampa Prep coach Mike Flynn said. "Plant has two legitimate No. 1 (hitters)."

Plant (6-0) is the defending state champ and is nationally ranked (No. 23). But Erb and Martin said the Panthers will have their first true test this weekend in the 15th annual Berkeley Premier; the prestigious tournament boasts nine state-ranked teams from Florida (like Berkeley Prep, Durant and Academy of the Holy Names), as well as national power Mercy (Louisville, Ky.), which has won the past two tournament titles.

Top hitters to watch:

Maureen Colligan, Sr., AHN

Outside hitter can beat you from any side - left, right or middle.

Dana Malinowski, Jr., Tampa Prep

Has really developed into a complete player - with power.

Lindsay Young, So., Berkeley Prep

Coach Randy Dagostino compares the 6-foot redhead to former Bucs and Georgia Tech star Merran Miller, "probably the most complete player we've ever had."

Key setters:

Kellie Catanach, Sr., Plant

Catanach, a Duke commitment, is a defending all-state selection who "really makes (Plant) go," Tampa Prep coach Mike Flynn said.

Alexa Donini, Sr., Durant

Coach Dawn Hough says the 5-9 setter is a big reason Durant is state-ranked.

Out of towners

Mercy (Louisville, Kent): The two-time defending tourney champ is loaded again, and ranked No. 9 in the Century Club National Top 100.

Meyer-mania: Gainesville Bucholz (No. 73 in nation) may have the country's best players - UNC-bound middle blocker Shelbey Bleke - but it's setter Nicki Meyer, daughter of Florida coach Urban Meyer, who often sets up Shelbey.

Key matches

Berkeley Prep vs. Mercy, Friday, 3 p.m. (court 1): Can the young Bucs upset the two-time defending champs?

Plant vs. Winter Park, Saturday 9:40 a.m. (court 1): Matchup of defending state champs (Plant in 5A, Winter Park in 6A).

[Last modified September 25, 2007, 22:55:06]