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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 4, 2001
TAMPA -- Berkeley Prep coach Randy Dagostino wanted to come into Tampa Prep's gym Wednesday evening and wipe the floor with the home team.
Start strong. Never let up. Put the hosts away in three games. Make a statement.
Get into the Terrapins' heads.
Few times have a coach's wishes been carried out so well, as seen in the Bucs' 15-13, 15-8, 15-6 victory.
"The only thing we didn't do was start strongly," Dagostino said. "I thought we were a little timid in the beginning."
Which was reflected in Tampa Prep's first-game lead of 12-7.
That's when Dagostino called time and told his team he didn't fault their effort, but implored them to serve accurately.
From that point, Berkeley (12-0) peppered the Terrapins with pinpoint serves, which seemed to raise all facets of the Bucs' attack.
Tampa Prep (13-2, with both losses to Berkeley) seemed to feel more pressure as each point slipped away, making uncharacteristic passing, blocking and serve-receive errors.
"We know what we have to work on," Tampa Prep coach Paul McAdoo said. "(Berkeley) is just doing a better job than we are.
"Right now they certainly have the mental confidence over us. No doubt. We're going to have to work to change that."
The mental edge -- particularly after last week when Tampa Prep led Berkeley two games to none only to lose the match -- could be huge considering the rivals are in the same district.
The teams could meet two more times in the next two weekends, first at the Berkeley Premier tournament and then at the Tampa Bay Invitational, both tournaments featuring the state's elite teams.
More matchups between Tampa Prep and Berkeley could follow in the district and state tournaments.