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Prep Volleyball: Newsome Leads With 9-0 Record

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: October 13, 2008

LITHIA - Hard to believe, but Newsome is the only remaining undefeated team in Hillsborough County at 9-0. Quite an accomplishment for a team that finished 9-6 last year.

In the five-year history of the school, the program has never won a district title and has one postseason appearance, losing in the Class 4A region quarterfinals in 2004 after advancing as the district runner-up.

This year, however, the Wolves are serious about making school history.

"It's our time to go far this year," said senior setter Megan Gilmore, who leads the Wolves with 53 assists. "Everyone talks about Brandon and Armwood but this year is our year."

Junior Lauren Zellmer leads the team with 25 kills while junior middle hitter Hillary Byrd has 22 kills along with 17 aces and 21 blocks. Senior libero Sean Thurman has been the team's defensive catalyst with 40 digs.

"A lot of the girls have been putting time into the sport, playing club, and they've been playing together for a long time," second-year coach Shelby Jordan said. "They're putting as much into it as I am."

The toughest part of the season lies ahead for Newsome, which plays at defending district champ Brandon tonight and last year's runner-up, Armwood, on Tuesday.

"The girls are really excited about it," Jordan said. "I tell the girls they can definitely do it."

AHN, TC PLAY FOR CHARITY: Academy of the Holy Names raised $1,620 for the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure last week during its second annual Play for the Cure volleyball against district rival Tampa Catholic. The Jaguars won 25-20, 22-25, 24-26, 25-15, 15-6.

TRIBUNE TOP 5

BERKELEY PREP (20-2): Buccaneers finished second at Tampa Bay Invite.

PLANT (16-3): Panthers travel to defending 3A champ Lake Highland Prep Tuesday.

BRANDON (17-1): Eagles got a wake-up call in loss to Plant.

NEWSOME (9-0): Wolves have tough week with Brandon and Armwood.

ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES (13-4): Jaguars secured second seed in 3A-District 11.

FEATURED PLAYER

CHELSEA MORRIS

Durant, Senior, Outside hitter

ABOUT MORRIS: Morris helped lead the Cougars to a Class 6A state runner-up finish as a junior and as of Thursday's matches, leads her team with 169 kills, 77 aces, 96 digs and 15 blocks.

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

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