TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Laton Is Back Spiking, Blocking For Royal Knights

ADVERTISEMENT

By EDDIE DANIELS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Standing in the front row, peering through the net, River Ridge's Alex Laton is an imposing sight for opponents.

The 5-foot-11 middle hitter doesn't just jump for easy kills, she doubles as an effective blocker as well.

'She's a big, intimidating block as well as hitter. She's hit people from the 10-foot line in the face before,' River Ridge coach Heidi Castelamare said. 'She can just solidly swing, she's big and strong and she's still not 100 percent, so I'm looking forward to her just elevating her level of play along the way.'

As impressive as she has played this season, the junior is on the mend from meniscus surgery on her right knee, which took place July 27.

She's still not 100 percent. Tell that to Brooksville Nature Coast.

When the Sharks came to the Jim Valentine Athletic Conference last Wednesday, Nature Coast cruised to a 25-23, 25-22 advantage. River Ridge went on to take the final three games, winning, 23-25, 22-25, 25-15, 26-24, 15-6. In the process, Laton led the Royal Knights in kills (12) and was second in blocks (five).

'It was just really hard to come here and I was hitting the ball very inconsistent and I wasn't dumping,' Laton said of her play earlier in the season. I wasn't ...'

Before Laton could let out another point against herself, River Ridge senior Brooke Castelamare chimed in: 'We wanted that hitter back, the one that hits right in front of the 10-foot line.'

'I wanted it back,' said Laton, who estimates her knee at about 75 percent back to normal. 'I knew I had to work hard. I was going to rehab three times a week; I still am. It was really hard work. No one understands. It's more time outside of regular practice.'
Laton injured her knee July 12 while practicing in the Junior Olympics volleyball camp, which drew players from across the country, as well as outside of the U.S.
Laton has no problem revealing the scars from the surgery. As she pulled the knee pad down, she joked: 'I've got a couple of scars. Battle wounds.'

Since that surgery and her return to the court, Laton admits there are times when she feels the effects of the knee.

'Sometimes it hurts when I play, but I try not to think about it and put it aside and just play how I used to,' she said.

In 22 games, Laton has collected 47 kills, 22 blocks, 21 aces and 18 digs.

When Laton returns to full strength, opponents can expect more fits than what she already delivers.

'Usually, when she's on, everything is great,' Brooke Castelamare said. 'Like the Hudson game, it was amazing. Killing balls at the 10-foot line, hitting people in the face, it was great. It brings our confidence up even if it's not us hitting it. I get happy.'

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT