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AHN defeats Bloomingdale for HCC title

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By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 26, 2009

Academy of the Holy Names bounced back from Thursday's loss to neighborhood rival Bayshore Christian by defending its championship at the nine-team Hillsborough Community College High School Invitational over the weekend.

Junior outside hitter Annie Swanson finished with 23 kills while senior Heather Mysak turned in 53 assists to lead Holy Names over Bloomingdale in the gold bracket championship match in five games, 20-25, 25-11, 19-25, 30-28 and 15-11.

Mysak was named to the all-tournament team.

"They pulled it together," Holy Names assistant coach Mary Weigel said. "They played excellent."

The Jaguars advanced to Saturday's gold bracket after defeating Wiregrass Ranch and Plant City in pool play on Friday. They defeated Lakewood in the semifinals to set up the championship match with Bloomingdale.

HAWKS ON A ROLL: Armwood is off to another strong start at 6-1, with its only loss coming from county powerhouse Brandon. The last two seasons, the Hawks haven't lost more than four matches in a season.

Armwood, which last reached the postseason in 2007, sits atop Class 5A-District 8 at 2-0, but will be tested over the next four matches of district opponents. The Hawks face Plant City (6-2) on Thursday, followed by Durant (3-7), Riverview (5-2) and Newsome (5-1).

Senior outside hitter Emilee Taylor, who owns the highest kills per game average in the county with 5.3, leads Armwood with 101 kills and 29 aces. Senior setter Laura Smith has controlled the offense with 132 assists.

INDIVIDUAL GOALS MOTIVATE WARRIORS: Bayshore Christian coach Melanie Humenansky has discovered how to make winning the end result of career performances from her players.

In each match, her players set individual statistical goals. Humenansky said it gives them extra motivation, which has helped the Faith Warriors improve to 8-2 this season.

Before Thursday's match against rival Academy of the Holy Names, sophomore setter Amanda Mirabella wanted to finish with 40 assists while junior outside hitter Gabby Fernandez wanted 20 kills. Mirabella had 41 assists and Fernandez had 24 kills to give Bayshore a 3-1 win.

"It's always good to have goals," said Fernandez, who leads Hillsborough County in kills with 164. "If we win, our goals should be matched."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

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