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Knights, Rams Have Big Goals

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By EDDIE DANIELS edaniels@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Moments after River Ridge's volleyball players were awarded the Class 5A-District 7 first-place trophy, Heidi Castelamare made it clear that full satisfaction had not been achieved.

"We do have higher goals," Castelamare said. "It's always fabulous to win a district championship, and any championship is great."

When River Ridge (23-4) hosts Newsome (12-3), the only championship on their minds will be the one that can only be attained by winning a final match at the Lakeland Center on Nov. 22.

Meanwhile, Ridgewood (14-9), runner-up in the 5A-7 tournament, will travel to Brandon (24-1). This will be the first postseason appearance by the Rams since 2005. They traveled to King that season in the quarterfinals and lost in five games.
Ridgewood coach Amber Starkey said her team entered last week's tournament final against River Ridge anxious, but she expects that to be an issue of the past when the Rams face the Eagles tonight.

"Just reminding them that we've had a great season and we've come this far and they deserve to be in the position they're in and they should be proud of themselves," Starkey said of the reality her team needs to embrace. "Anything can happen. Mentally, I don't think we'll be intimidated, because they're going to know nothing about the other team. That's a big deal. When you get to this point, it becomes mental."

That mental aspect is something River Ridge may have to conquer, as well. Last season, Brandon beat the Royal Knights in the regional semifinals at the Jim Valentine Athletic Complex.

Revenge would likely be sweet, but Castelamare understands they must beat the team in front of them before they get a second chance at Brandon. That rematch could take place if both teams advance out of their games tonight.

"We have to take it step by step," Castelamare said. "Obviously, Brandon's playing good competition if they're in that district. Anything can happen now. We just have to play our game and not have any more lulls in our offense or defense."

Considering the team bullied through the Sunshine Athletic Conference for its eighth consecutive and 11th overall title and it made the final in Southeast High's Lady Noles Tournament last month, River Ridge outside hitter Alex Laton is confident in her team.

"We're a new team this year," she said in reference to losing last season's region semifinals match. "New players and more people to get the job done. So I think we can do it."

5A-REGION 2 QUARTERFINALS
Newsome (12-3) at River Ridge (23-4)

WHEN/WHERE: Tonight at 7; Jim Valentine Athletic Complex

FACTS: Newsome lost the 5A-8 final to Brandon, and its last playoff appearance was in 2005. ... River Ridge is the 5A-7 champion and the Sunshine Athletic Conference winner. ... River Ridge has won a district title 11 times.
Ridgewood (14-9) at Brandon (24-1)

WHEN/WHERE: Tonight at 7; Brandon

FACTS: Brandon's lone loss of the season came to Plant, 25-13, 25-7, 25-12 on Oct. 9. ... The Eagles are back-to-back district champions. ... Ridgewood's last playoff appearance came in 2005, when it traveled to King.

Reporter Eddie Daniels can be reached at (813) 948-4214.

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