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McCurdy Electrifies

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: November 15, 2008

TAMPA - Plant volleyball coach Leanna Taylor has been a witness to numerous great plays on the volleyball court.

Many of those plays have been by her junior defensive specialist, Ali McCurdy.

"I've seen her run into walls and do the splits to get a dig," Taylor said. "She anticipates so well. It's a natural ability."

From her eclectic style of clothes, which teammate Danielle Erb could only describe as "funky," to her acrobatics on the court, McCurdy is one of the more electrifying players in the area.

"As a player, I'm aggressive," McCurdy said. "The whole defensive position, it comes along with it. Knock on wood, no injuries."

McCurdy, a three-year varsity starter for the nationally ranked Panthers, will lead her team against Venice in a Class 5A region final today at 2 p.m. The winner advances to the state tournament.

As a freshman, McCurdy earned the starting role as defensive specialist on a senior-dominated Plant team that won the 5A title. Last year, she finished with 427 digs to help Plant win its second consecutive title and seventh overall.

"There are so many great players in the area that have never experienced the opportunity," McCurdy said. "I'm really fortunate."

McCurdy, who has narrowed her college choices to Duke, Kentucky and Georgia Tech, has surpassed the 1,000-dig milestone and this season has 388 digs, 70 aces and 229 serves received.

"She's awesome," Taylor said. "She's on the court 99 percent of the time. Her energy doesn't stop. She does not give up."

She also runs a 48.5 in the 300-meter hurdles as a member of Plant's track and field team.

"It's something different," she said. "It keeps me in shape."

In junior high, McCurdy said she dreamed about playing for Plant, a program that had won five state titles. As she and the Panthers strive for a third consecutive title, McCurdy said she has more than enjoyed her prep career.

"It's been 20 times more than what I expected," she said.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848.

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