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Tampa Prep Falls To Evangelical Christian

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 11, 2007

FORT MYERS - Experience earned Fort Myers Evangelical Christian a third straight trip to the 2A state volleyball tournament, as the Sentinels defeated Tampa Prep 25-17, 25-20 and 25-20 in the Region 3 title match on Saturday.

The Sentinels (25-5) claimed each game after dueling to a draw with the Terrapins (15-14) to start each game. But the Sentinels' prescient play late in each game - and a few ill-timed errors by the Terrapins - propelled them to victory.

"There were one or two points in each game that could have gone either way," Tampa Prep coach Mike Flynn said. "There were four or five rallies late in that third game I would have paid money to see. I don't know if I could have asked my girls to do any more."

Late in Game 3, the Terrapins had a chance to force a fourth game. But three straight attack errors helped the Sentinels to a 20-18 lead. And the last major rally of the game - which featured several incredible defensive plays by both teams - went to the Sentinels, as Sheryl Davis set up Holly Youngquist for a kill and a 23-20 lead.

"I think that's the experience coming through," ECS coach Tom Baxter said. "We just beat a real good team."

The Terrapins, who won two straight road playoff matches to set up their match with ECS, received solid performances from Alena Ransom (nine kills), Alisa French (nine kills), Marre Paone (eight kills) and setter Caroline Dillabough (28 assists). Among them, only French is a senior, along with libero Lauren Levine, injured setter Rima Garsys and Amanda Simmonds.

Matthew Postins

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