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Now Is Time To Prep For Districts

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By MATTHEW PARKE

Tribune correspondent

Published: March 28, 2009

As the end of the regular season approaches, the Sunshine Athletic Conference teams are busy prepping for their district tournaments, which begin April 13. Pasco County schools' upcoming spring break will give the players time to rest and recharge.

RIDGEWOOD: After beating Groveland South Lake 5-2 last week, girls coach Joe Kelly thinks his team is a "legitimate threat to advance out of the district tournament." The Rams are 5-0 against Class 3A-District 5 opponents. They split this week, with a win against Land O'Lakes and a loss to Wiregrass Ranch, bringing them to 9-3 overall.

No. 4 Daylyn Williamson has "provided much-needed stability," Kelly said. According to Kelly, Williamson could be the difference for Ridgewood to make its first regional tournament in 18 years. The Rams finish their season at River Ridge on Monday.

RIVER RIDGE: The undefeated girls team's dominance of the SAC and the district makes the Royal Knights the favorites to repeat as 3A-5 champions. In the tournament, Nicola Wellman and Tijana Subotic should receive top seeding in singles and doubles.

They have two remaining district matches, against Brooksville Springstead and Ridgewood. If they win, that will mean consecutive perfect seasons for the Royal Knights.

WIREGRASS RANCH: The boys team could not avenge its lone 2007 loss to district nemesis Brooksville Nature Coast this year, losing 5-2. That loss will hamper the 10-1 Bulls' seeding in the upcoming tournament. Coach David Wilson said he does not expect the team to earn any top seeds.

"Team depth and draw could play a big part in the team's success," Wilson said. James Mudge and James Reilly should be fully healed from injuries by tournament time.

The upcoming showdown with Zephyrhills on Monday will be crucial for Tammy Shaw's girls team. A Wiregrass win would mean a three-way tie atop the 2A-6 standings. "It's going to be a tough match," Shaw said, "We are going to work hard this week. The girls are going to be psyched and pumped up. We have to be in the right mindset."

ZEPHYRHILLS: The Lady Bulldogs are vying for a top-three finish in 2A-6 at 6-1 and 10-2 overall. Sarah Vandenberg, Chelsea Smith and Stacy Trovillion have not lost a district singles match and "are going in strong to the tournament," according to Coach Lorraine Hinkle.

They were on a tear this week, beating Hernando, Pasco and Land O' Lakes. Monday's final match against Wiregrass Ranch will be the biggest one this season.

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