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'Canes no match for Pirates

Crystal River's well-rounded play is the difference in a two-game victory against Citrus.

By CAREY FREEMAN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 26, 2001

CRYSTAL RIVER -- Crystal River might not have a stable full of big hitters, but the Pirates didn't need one Tuesday against Citrus.

What they needed was consistency, which proved to be the difference in a 15-6, 15-7 victory. "We had better serving and that makes a big difference," Pirates coach Trudee Lightbody said.

"They were moving their feet. They were moving around and getting into position, making good passes and talking. Setting is all about passing. If you don't have a good pass, what are the chances of getting a good set?"

Such attention to detail hurt the Hurricanes (3-7, 1-5 in Class 3A, District 6). Unable to get the Pirates' serves into play consistently, Citrus struggled in all areas. The Pirates (5-5, 2-3) took immediate advantage, taking a 13-3 lead in Game 1 behind the excellent serving of Melissa Coburn, Alisa Tisdale and Jessica Bullion.

Yet the real difference was in Crystal River's organization. The Pirates not only got to most balls, but they also put them in play for the setters. Coburn (5 assists, 3 service aces, 4 kills) controlled the flow on the floor while Julie Fioretti (5 kills, 4 blocks) and Bullion (5 kills) dominated up front.

The second game looked to be more competitive as Citrus took a quick 5-0 lead, but the Pirates regrouped and dominated the rest of the way. Crystal River pulled even on Fioretti's third kill and sprinted ahead when she won five consecutive points on her serve for an 11-7 lead. The Pirates won the next four points to seal the win.

"We didn't pass well and we weren't where we were supposed to be on defense," Citrus coach Pam Woznicki said. "Citrus just doesn't want it bad enough now."

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