Preps

North Suncoast: Region volleyball preview

By DAVID MURPHY
Published October 30, 2007

Road to the semifinals

Breaking down the region quarterfinal volleyball matches to be played today and Wednesday:

Armwood (13-3) at River Ridge (22-5), Tuesday, 7 p.m. (Class 5A)

Land O'Lakes (17-10) at Brandon (19-3), Tuesday7 p.m. (5A)

South Lake (22-4) at Nature Coast (20-5), Wednesday, 7 p.m. (Class 4A)

Zephyrhills (23-4)at Bishop Moore (22-6), Wednesday, 7 p.m. (4A)

Five things you should know

1. The region quarterfinals, semifinals and finals are all hosted at home sites throughout the state.

The state semifinals and finals are Nov. 14-15 at the Lakeland Center.

2. Land O'Lakes and River Ridge may meet for the fourth time this season next Tuesday.

Technically, Nature Coast and Zephyrhills could be headed for a rematch, too. But both teams head into their respective quarterfinals as the underdogs (South Lake is No.3 in the state, Bishop Moore is tied for No.10).

River Ridge, meanwhile, has won five straight games in the first round of the playoffs. Land O'Lakes plays a Brandon team that hasn't won a playoff game since 1995. Granted, the Gators last won in 1987, but they have a good shot at advancing this year.

3. Nature Coast is looking for its first region win in school history.

The Sharks have gone to the region tournament in three previous years, but have lost their first match each time. With new coach Dan Murphy, sophomore Alex Livengood, and senior Kayla Bailey, Nature Coast has its best shot yet at advancing. Unfortunately, they also face a tough South Lake team.

4. River Ridge has advanced to the region finals in two of the last four seasons.

The Knights were one win away from the Final Four in 2003 and 2004. They lost to Plant both times.

5. Last year was the first time since 1997 that Bishop Moore failed to advance past the region semis.

After beating Bishop Moore, the Hornets lost to Ponte Vedra Beach Nease.

[Last modified October 30, 2007, 00:11:17]