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CLEARWATER — As a player, Kara Betourne was used to big matches. After all, she played on Clearwater's only state title volleyball teams in 1997 and 2000.
But this was supposed to be different.
Now Betourne was on the sideline, guiding her alma mater after serving the past two seasons as coach of the junior varsity. Her first regular-season match was big one. The Tornadoes traveled to play Countryside, which went to the playoffs last season as district runnerup in 6A.
It was a successful debut Wednesday as the Tornadoes cruised to a 25-22, 25-16, 25-20 victory.
"I didn't think it would be this easy," Betourne said. "Countryside has a great reputation, and they have some big hitters. We were ready for a fight, and I thought it could come down to a five-game match."
Clearwater picked a good time to face the Cougars, who lost six seniors, including four starters, from last year's team.
The difference in experience showed. The Cougars showed a willingness to fight, rallying from a 4-1 deficit in the final game to take leads of 15-14 and 20-19. But the Tornadoes scored the last six points to seal the match.
"We only had three players on the court who saw playing time last year," Countryside coach Kaylyn Bayly said. "It's going to take time. We still to need to work on passing and running our offense. We're not quite there yet."
Nikki O'Rourke had 16 kills and Jen Opper had six kills and four blocks for Clearwater. The Cougars were led by setter Sara Wright, who directed the offense.
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