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Highlands Today

Green Dragons Brace For Hustlers

Chris Hoffman/Highlands Today

Lake Placid outside hitter Ali Baker 17 blasts a shot past a Moore Haven defender in a recent match. The Green Dragons host Melbourne Central Catholic in a regional quarterfinal match tonight.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: November 4, 2008

LAKE PLACID - After rolling through the Class 3A-District 10 volleyball tournament without losing a game, Lake Placid has the monumental task of taking on Melbourne Central Catholic in tonight's regional quarterfinal.

The Green Dragons come in with an impressive 20-6 record and plenty of momentum after blasting McKeel Academy and Mulberry in last week's district tournament.

"We played very well against Mulberry in the finals," said veteran Lake Placid coach Marilyn Jones. "We played with a lot of focus and emotion and all the girls were on their games.

"I wore a grin all weekend, but we've got a big challenge going up against Melbourne Central Catholic."

The Hustlers bring an 18-10 mark into tonight's match and were the District-9 runner-up after losing a five-game marathon to Fort Pierce John Carroll.

"Our record isn't that impressive, but we played a very tough regular season schedule," said Melbourne Central Catholic coach Bonnie Priesper. "We did that so that we wouldn't be intimidated by any team we go up against in the state playoffs.

"I see Lake Placid has a good record, but we're focusing on our style of play and what we need to do to be successful."

The Green Dragons utilize a versatile attack led by senior setter Julie Shrewsbury and hitters Sierra Weaver, Tiffany Bisbey, Kaneisha Hamilton and junior Kayla Summerfield.

"I'm sure we'll be fired up for the game, but we need to communicate and pass the ball well," Jones said. "If we can get our passes to Julie, then she can do her job of setting up our big hitters.

"We've got be aggressive and on our toes and return of serve is going to be very important."

Melbourne Central Catholic has a veteran squad, led by senior outside hitter Rachel Priesper.

"Rachel s our top hitter, but we have other options that are very good too," said Coach Priesper. "We use several types of attack, but our strongest asset is our ability to dig balls off the floor.

"That really frustrates teams and then we apply the offensive pressure with our big hitters."

Lake Placid was aggressive in its domination of the District-10 tournament, and Jones knows the Green Dragons will have to use the same formula if they want to move on to the regional semifinals.

"Teams from the coast use lots of quick sets and we're practicing to be prepared for those," the LP coach said. "We can't be tentative against Melbourne and just be happy to get the ball back over the net.

"We have to stay aggressive and set up all of our hitters so Melbourne can't concentrate on just one player."

Melbourne Central Catholic is an athletic squad that is prepared for the long bus trip to Lake Placid.

"We have a veteran group of girls and they know what we expect of them," said the Hustlers coach. "We're going to stop halfway to Lake Placid and have our snack so that when we arrive, we're ready to go out and play the way we know how.

"We can't worry about what Lake Placid does, we just need to concentrate on our side of the net, play smart and execute and we'll be fine."

The Green Dragons are looking forward to playing in their gym in front of their raucous fans.

"We're so happy to be playing at home in front of our fans," said Jones. "They have really supported us this season and it means a lot to have them behind us.

"No matter what happens, it's been a great season and I know the girls will come out and give a great effort."

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

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