Sideline

By Compiled by JOHN C. COTEY and JAMAL THALJI

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 5, 2000

QUOTABLE

"We played down a level last time we played them. That's why we were glad we played them again. Last time (when they beat us), they were like "Oooo, big bad Hudson.' We showed them (who's still the best). And I'm glad Ridgewood was here to see it.'

GIRLS GOLF

In the battle of the state golfing titans, defending Class A state champion Saddlebrook came up a bit short against defending Class 2A state champion Chamberlain on Tuesday, losing 155-160 at Saddlebrook

The Chiefs (7-0) were led by Whitney and Mallory Code, both of whom shot 36 to lead their team.

Brooke Layton added a 41 and Jennifer Stanley a 42.

The Spartans (2-1) answered with the low score of the day, Kelly Froelich's 35, and got 36 from Hanna Young, a 42 from Mariana DeBiase and 47 from Tory Davis.

"We didn't feel badly. We did what we expected," Saddlebrook coach Roberta Speer said. "Whitney and Mallory Code each shot 36, and Kelly Froelich had a 35, so I'm not disappointed.

"We're depending very much on everybody playing their absolute best. Nobody can hiccup right now because if somebody does, then we're in trouble."

Indeed.

The problem, Speer said, is that this wasn't the lineup she was hoping to use this season.

But injuries have strained the usually talent-rich Spartans to the point where the team has little depth and no room for error.

Two returners from last year's state title team are out with injuries.

Miriam Kraschniski is out with a career-threatening shoulder injury and can't hit until December while Shoulder surgery has Mi-Heui "Mickey" Cho sidelined.

And she might not even be back by districts later this month.

Claudia Ramirez, a standout from Mexico whom Speer expected to be among this year's starting foursome, was declared ineligible by the Florida High School Activities Association.

"Right now, we're not running on all cylinders," Speer said.

That has left the Spartans with an unusually thin group.

DeBiase now is the No. 1 golfer, and Froelich has the No. 2 position. But the No. 3, Young, is just 13 years old.

"We just don't have the depth we normally would," Speer said.

FUND-RAISER

Car wash to raise money for Gulf alumnus

Anyone who wants to help send Gulf alum Danny Andrews' parents to Sydney, Australia, to watch their son compete in the 2000 Paralympics can do so at the car wash at WOW Express in New Port Richey on Saturday.

All proceeds from cars washed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at WOW Express, located at 1246 Seven Springs Blvd., will be donated to help fund the trip for Andrews' parents. Andrews, a letterman in soccer and track who graduated this year, has qualified for the 800 meters.

TOP 10 PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

1. River Ridge volleyball: So the reign was short, but for one weekend, the Royal Knights proved they were the best by winning the Suncoast Classic and whipping ...

2. Hudson volleyball: ... which bounced back three days later to avenge its only loss

3. Alison Baker, Hudson volleyball: Big Bad Baker again was the difference in a big match. She plays defense, too!

4. Godfrey Pestana, LOL football: Twelve touchdowns already. Hey, that's the same number the Gators' team has.

5. Ridgewood defense: Held mighty Zephyrhills to just one touchdown and shut down Michael Moody. How many plays away are the Rams from being 4-0? 6. Kelly Froelich, Saddlebrook golf: Shot 35 against Chamberlain. Sure, Saddlebrook lost, but what a round!

7. Jim Vitale, Ridgewood cross country: Catch him if you can. And so far, it looks like you can't.

8. Lizzie Sheridan, Ridgewood cross country: Beat the more famous Lizzy for the first time at Red Mule with county best 19:22.

9. Jeff Janus, River Ridge football: Set school record with 12 tackles and 11 assists against Hudson, edging former record-holder and teammate Chris Robinson ... for a week anyway.

10. The Half-Back Option Play; IT WORKS! Wesley Chapel took a 7-0 lead over Land O'Lakes with this play. Chris Roberts took a handoff from Spencer Honeycutt and hit a wide open Tyrone Tomlin, who dashed 80 yards for the touchdown 10 seconds into the game.

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