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Plant streaks past Newsome

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A Tribune staff report

Published: April 21, 2009

TAMPA - Plant continued its bid to return to the state finals, downing Newsome in the Class 3A-Region 5 tournament Tuesday by winning all five singles matches.

The Panthers were led by Amber Li's 6-0, 6-0 win against Jaci Watson at No. 1 singles.

The Panthers, who finished second at last year's state tournament, have hit a few bumps in recent weeks. No. 2 player Solange LaPuente, their only senior starter, left the team prior to the final week of the regular season for personal reasons, according to Coach Lynn Vu.

Vu said her players have stepped up a level to continue Plant's success.

"We've had to deal with the off-the-court stuff and now we are taking on the mentality of coming together," Vu said. "I knew what I had left on this team were players that I was proud to have represent Plant."

Carol Marie Fraley aided Plant's victory Tuesday by beating Jordan Lameier 6-1, 6-1. Clair Mitchell Andrews beat Hannah Harkins 6-1, 6-1; Morgan Nolan defeated Aggie Crespo 6-2, 6-0; and Brooke Josepher beat Brooke Prestridge 6-2, 6-3.

Jarrett Guthrie

Class 3A-Region 5

LAKELAND - Chamberlain won both doubles matches to rally past host Jenkins 4-3.

Jennifer Miller and Nicole Mera rolled through Allison Bowden and Andrea Arguella 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1 doubles, and McKenzie O'Brien and Ashima Singh followed with a win at No. 2 doubles.

Jenkins' Andrea Arguello defeated Miller 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 at No. 1 singles. Chamberlain won the next two singles matches, with Mera beating Bowden 6-1, 6-0, and O'Brien defeating Lindsay Castrat 6-0, 6-2.

Jenkins won the final two singles to take the lead, as Maygen Rollins edged Singh 6-2, 6-3, and Olivia Osley beat Caitlyn Lutz 6-1, 6-2.

Blake Hasenzahl

Class 2A-Region 3

INVERNESS - Wiregrass Ranch gained a bit of revenge, defeating host Citrus 4-3. In 2008, Citrus downed Wiregrass Ranch 6-1 in the regionals.

Wiregrass' No. 1 doubles team of Sydney Simpson and Amber Fahrner defeated Lindsey Spafford and Sarah Labrador 6-2, 6-2 to key the victory.

The Bulls will play at Brooksville Nature Coast Tech on Thursday.

Wiregrass coach Tammy Shaw said Simpson and Fahrner "played really well. Communicated well, played great. Actually, I was surprised. Last year, we won one out of seven. I'm very pleased."

Larry Bugg

Class 2A-Region 5

Tampa Catholic swept District 9 champion Braden River 5-0 to advance to Thursday's region final. The Crusaders won all five singles matches, so doubles matches weren't necessary.

All five Tampa Catholic players - Kelly Sullivan (No. 1), Meghan Sullivan (2), Ashley Farrell (3), Taylor Neal (4) and Aracely Odell (5) - won their matches without dropping a set.

The Crusaders play at St. Petersburg Catholic on Thursday for a shot at state.

Katherine Smith

Class 1A-Region 5

Berkeley Prep easily handled Canterbury, sweeping the Crusaders in first-round play. The Buccaneers will host Shorecrest on Thursday, with the winner advancing to state.

Berkeley Prep advanced in team competition last year.

The Bucs defeated Shorecrest 5-2 in the regular season, losing at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles but winning the others.

Katherine Smith

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