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REGION OUTLOOK VOLLEYBALL

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: November 2, 2009

Updated: 11/02/2009 12:23 am

TUESDAY

Class 5A-Region 2

Brooksville Central at Armwood (15-1); Newsome (13-9) at Ocala Forest

Outlook: Senior outside hitter Emilee Taylor has led Armwood with 310 kills and leads Hillsborough County with 6.0 kills per game. The Hawks last reached the playoffs in 2007. Newsome has been led by senior outside hitter Lauren Zellmer and senior middle hitter Hillary Byrd. Newsome is making its third playoff appearance and second consecutive trip to the regionals.

Class 5A-Region 3

Sickles (20-5) at Venice; Naples Gulf Coast at Gaither (15-3)

Outlook: Sickles is making its sixth consecutive playoff appearance but must travel to one of the state's top programs in Venice, which was earlier this season ranked among the top 100 teams in the nation. Senior outside hitter Lauren Ramsey has led the Gryphons with 256 kills. Gaither is making its first playoff appearance since 2004. The team has been led by senior middle hitter Jenna Clark (57 blocks), senior outside hitter Laura Ackart (184 kills) and senior hitter Emily Hussin (360 assists).

Class 3A-Region 3

Lakeland McKeel Academy at Berkeley Prep (24-3)

Outlook: Berkeley Prep, ranked No. 35 in the nation, has reached the state tournament the last four seasons. The Buccaneers have been led by sophomore outside hitter Jordan Burgess (312 kills) and senior middle hitter Lindsay Young (230 kills).

Class 1A-Region 2

Lakeland Sonrise Christian at Bayshore Christian (13-11)

Outlook: The Faith Warriors will have to play their quarterfinal match without junior outside hitter Gabby Fernandez (339 kills), who is out for at least a week with a shoulder injury. In her absence, senior middle hitter Valencia King and sophomore Madison Schmitt will take most of the sets.

Class 1A-Region 3

Cambridge (16-11) at Naples Seacrest Country Day

Outlook: This is the sixth playoff appearance for the Lancers this decade. They are 7-5 in the postseason during that stretch. Sophomore middle hitter Olivia Yeager leads Cambridge with 208 kills and 97 blocks. Junior Amber Rubright has controlled the offense with 546 assists.

WEDNESDAY

Class 6A-Region 3

Brandon (19-6) at Palm Harbor (18-3); Countryside (19-3) at Plant (24-1)

Outlook: Brandon reached the region finals the last two seasons as a 5A program. Junior Lindsey Watson, senior Aly Woodlee and senior Audra Geniesse have led the Eagles. Plant, the ninth-ranked team in the nation, is faced with a tough challenge in the opening round of playoffs with Countryside, a team that reached the 6A state semifinals last season. Senior outside hitter Maddie Martin (271 kills) and senior defensive specialist Ali McCurdy (389 digs) are looking to win their fourth state title.

Class 4A-Region 3

Lennard (7-9) at Bradenton Braden River; Lakewood (12-8) at Steinbrenner (22-4)

Outlook: These are the first playoff appearances for Lennard and Steinbrenner. The Longhorns upset Robinson in the district semifinals to clinch a playoff berth. Junior middle hitter Kristen Liguori has been Steinbrenner's go-to player with 216 kills.

Class 2A-Region 3

Santa Fe Catholic at Tampa Prep (13-10)

Outlook: Tampa Prep reached the 2A state semifinals last season and returned several players. Senior setter Caroline Dillabough (514 assists) distributes to several hitters, with four having 100 kills or more this season.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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