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Chiefs, Panthers Meet For The First Time

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By KATHERINE SMITH

ksmith@tampatrib.com

Published: March 11, 2009

Updated: 03/11/2009 12:22 am

TAMPA - Chances are, Chamberlain and Plant's girls tennis teams will meet in the postseason. So their first meeting of the year, on Thursday, should provide a good gauge of where each team is at as the postseason approaches.

Led by their respective No. 1 players - Chamberlain's Jennifer Miller, who was undefeated in the regular season last year as the Chiefs No. 2; and Plant's Amber Li, who defeated then-Chamberlain No. 1 player Jamie Mera last year at regionals - the matchup at the midway mark of the regular season will feature some of the top players in Hillsborough County.

"This will probably be a preview," Plant coach Lynn Vu said. "We should see each other again."

The Chiefs drew first blood last year in their regular-season 4-3 victory against Plant and were led by Mera, who has since graduated. The Panthers got revenge with a 4-3 regional victory, a match that was settled by a Plant win in the No. 2 doubles.

"We look forward to this match every year," Chamberlain coach Mike Zanatian said. "It's been a great rivalry the last couple of years.

After losing three seniors to graduation, the Chiefs have been searching for an identity this season, which has been difficult thanks to two forfeits (by Alonso and Blake), making it difficult to get into a rhythm.

Plant has been preparing for Thursday's event, not wanting Chamberlain to win the first meeting like they did last season. Vu played her top 5 for the first time this season last Thursday in the Panthers victory over Freedom.

"They looked great," Vu said. "Everyone was on their game. Chamberlain got the better of us last year in the regular season so we don't want that to happen again this year."

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The Academy of the Holy Names has taken its lumps this season with the departure of No. 1 singles player Melissa Narzissenfeld. But the Jaguars got a big win last week, their first win, that could result in a postseason trip.

Academy (1-4) defeated Tampa Catholic, one of the top teams in its district, putting it in a position to possibly finish runner-up and earn a spot in regionals.

"We are definitely in a rebuilding season," Academy coach Allen Liberato said. "Losing your No. 1 definitely affects the team and I had put together a very tough schedule in anticipation of Melissa playing."

Narzissenfeld decided not to play her senior season to concentrate on preparing for collegiate tennis. Narzissenfeld signed with Florida Gulf Coast University. That left the Jaguars with a top five of three freshman, one sophomore and one junior.

"We're very young, but we're getting a lot of great experience," Liberato said.

LOOK AHEAD: Defending boys state champion Wharton has been on a roll. They improved to 6-0 with a victory against Leto on Monday. The Newsome boys tennis team is also undefeated (7-0).

The two are on a collision course for a battle of the unbeatens when they meet March 26.

To report high school tennis news, contact Katherine Smith at

(813) 731-8025.

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