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Volleyball: Lennard, Steinbrenner make history

Staff photo by CHRIS URSO

Steinbrenner's Kristen Ligouri spikes the ball past Strawberry Crest's Brittany Barber during the 4A District 9 semifinal Wednesday.

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The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 29, 2009

TAMPA - The first three seasons of Lennard High volleyball weren't easy to watch.

When the school in Ruskin opened in 2006, the volleyball team was placed in a district that included 12-time state champion and national powerhouse Berkeley Prep, two-time state champion and local powerhouse Academy of the Holy Names, Clearwater Central Catholic and St. Petersburg Catholic.

The program won a total of seven matches in its first three years, including a winless season in 2006.

Wednesday, however, No. 3 seed Lennard upset second-seeded Robinson, 25-16, 25-20, 23-25, 25-15, in the Class 4A-District 9 semifinals to advance to tonight's championship against top seed Steinbrenner. Steinbrenner, which opened this fall in Lutz, defeated fellow first-year program Strawberry Crest 25-9, 25-15, 25-12 in the other semifinal.

Lennard (8-7) and Steinbrenner (21-4) automatically advance to the regional playoffs as district champion and runner-up.

It marks the first postseason appearance for both programs.

"It's a big accomplishment," said Lennard senior Shelby Sanchez, who had a team-high six kills.

Junior Kristen Liguori led Steinbrenner with six kills and six aces.

"It's been our goal and an expectation all season (to reach the playoffs)," Steinbrenner coach Staci Elias said. "(Winning a district title) is the most important part because we'll have homecourt advantage throughout regionals."

Nick Williams

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