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Cougars Are Trying To Build Toward Postseason

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: October 6, 2008

PLANT CITY - Last year's Class 6A state runner-up finish was a moment in time for the Durant volleyball team.

The Cougars slipped under the radar and advanced farther than any team since 2002, the last year Durant won a state title.

Durant graduated three important starters from that 21-7 team, namely all-state setter Alexa Donini. Although 7-5, this year's squad is confident it can make a postseason run.

"We haven't won as much as we wanted," said senior outside hitter Kelsey Horton, who started at middle hitter last season. "Our first goal is still to make districts, and maybe regionals."

Horton, along with senior outside hitter Chelsea Morris, is two of only three returning starters.

"We lost a lot of contributors," said Morris, who leads Durant with 119 kills. "We're not a younger team, just less experienced."

Durant has advanced to the last three Class 6A-District 8 championship games, winning last year's against Sarasota. The Cougars have lost district matches to Lakeland and Sarasota.

"In my mind, the losses are tough right now, but it's still the regular season," said first-year coach Jeff Davis, an assistant on Durant's 1999, 2001 and 2002 state title teams. "There are still districts and regionals. Hopefully, we have the building blocks for a successful postseason."

TOP 5

Berkeley Prep (15-1): Buccaneers can win Tampa Bay Invitational this weekend.
Plant (15-3): Panthers went 4-1 at Nike Challenge in Chicago.
Brandon (17-0): Eagles play at Plant on Thursday.
Newsome (8-0): Wolves have lost two games all season.
Bayshore Christian (10-6): Faith Warriors host Tampa Prep on Tuesday.

FEATURED PLAYER

DANA MALINOWSKI, Tampa Prep, Sr., Middle Hitter
ABOUT MALINOWSKI: She was a second-team all-county and an all-state honorable mention selection as a junior. The 6-foot-1 hitter leads the Terrapins with 159 kills, 20 aces, 31 blocks and 119 digs.

TOP PERFORMERS

- Bayshore Christian sophomore Gabby Fernandez had 25 kills against Clearwater Central Catholic.

- Sickles junior hitter Lauren Ramsey had 19 kills against St. Petersburg.

- Freedom senior setter Morgan Kastner had 32 assists against Tampa Bay Tech.

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

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