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Highlands Today

Streaks Show Singular Purpose

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Sebring's Britt Augustine, center, gives a high five to her teammate Karley Freeland (left) during a game against Avon Park on Thursday in Sebring.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: August 30, 2008

SEBRING - It may have only been a preseason tournament, but the Sebring girls volleyball team put the rest of the Heartland on notice: They'll be a force to be reckoned with this season.

Playing with a singular purpose and cool efficiency, the Blue Streaks cruised past Avon Park 25-10, 25-15, 25-12 to win their own Preseason Classic on Thursday night.

"This team is an absolute family," said senior hitter Molly Blackman. "We've worked so hard over the summer and we're in the best condition we've ever been in.

"Everyone understands what needs to be done, and we're all about taking care of business."

After sweeping Lake Placid in Tuesday night's opening round of the four-team tournament -- a squad they lost to twice last year -- the Blue Streaks' slimmer, sleeker look is already paying dividends.

"The girls played really well and came out with the same intensity and enthusiasm they had on Tuesday night," said Sebring coach Venessa Sinness. "The girls worked really hard over the summer on their conditioning and they're in great shape

"We lost some matches last year because we got tired, and that's not going to happen this year."

Sebring jumped out quickly behind strong net play by seniors Blackman, Hannah Shoop and Ricki Albritton to take an 8-3 lead in the first game.

Displaying AP's solid setting, excellent passing and good communication, the Blue Streaks continued to find open holes in the Devil defense and rolled to the first game win.

"We have great senior leadership on this team and Molly, Hannah and Ricki stepped it up big time tonight," Sinness said. "Our setter Brtt Augustine did a fabulous job of mixing up her sets and positioning the ball and we did a fantastic job of returning serves.

"These girls have a real drive to succeed, and if we continue to serve and receive this well, we'll win a lot of matches."

Avon Park's Danielle Tomlinson served up a pair of aces to give the Red Devils a 2-0 lead in game two.

Sebring, behind strong kills by Shoop and Albritton stormed back to take an 8-3 lead.

Red Devil senior co-captain Daija Barrett, who had a team-high six kills, pulled her team within 20-14 by battling at the net with the taller Blue Streaks.

Lack of communication hindered Avon Park and numerous bad serves cut short several Red Devil rallies.

"The girls are still learning some of our new sets and aren't sure of where they are supposed to be all the time," said first-year Avon Park coach Stephanie Devlin. "We've got to do a better job overall and blocking at the net.

"We've got a senior-laden team that plays with a lot of heart, and we just need some more match experience."

Augustine scored on a tip and a blast and an ace serve ended the second game.

Sebring took control of the third and final game by roaring out to an 11-6 lead.

Shoop had a block and a pair of spikes to increase the Blue Streak advantage and Anna West chipped in with a pair of points for a 23-11 lead.

Sebring closed the match out with a spike and an ace, much to the delight of the Blue Streak faithful.

"We played well and weren't even tired at the end of the match," said Sinness. "I'm pleased with our effort, but there are areas that we still need to work on.'

Sebring is back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Avon Park to take on the Red Devils in the Class 4A-District 10 opener for both squads.

"Avon Park is going to improve as the season goes on because Stephanie is an excellent coach," Sinness said. "We know it's going to be a tougher match because they're going to be on their home court with all of their fans supporting them,

"I'm looking forward to the season because I think this team has what it takes to have a great year."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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