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Volleyball: PHU sweeps past St. Petersburg

 
Published Oct. 1, 2014

ST. PETERSBURG — Palm Harbor University didn't have a dominant player when the season began. Yet coach Tara Kuk, in her 12th season, was quietly confident that this could be one of her best teams.

That's because the Hurricanes have talented players all over the court.

The depth was on display Tuesday night when PHU swept past Class 8A, District 8 opponent St. Petersburg 25-7, 25-16, 25-11. They improved to 14-1 and it was their ninth sweep.

"We don't have a go-to person but we really don't need a go-to person," Kuk said. "Everybody is a little more relaxed because of that."

The Hurricanes have a group of talented hitters up front. Senior Jazmine Barker and sophomore Julia Angelo each had 10 kills against the Green Devils, and Barker didn't even play the second game.

Junior AnnaMarie Huy, senior Jetta Brady and sophomore Emma Strong are also capable players at the net.

Senior libero Ameije Ismaili is all over the floor on defense. She had 12 digs against St. Petersburg to lead PHU. And senior setter Abby Walker had 34 assists against the Green Devils.

"Abby does an amazing job of seeing the blocks and sending the ball the other way," Kuk said. "She's kind of our secret weapon. Our hitters wouldn't be nearly as good without her."

PHU's only loss came last weekend in the final of the Orlando Dr. Phillips tournament against Immaculate Heart Academy of New Jersey. That match went to a third set before PHU lost.

The Hurricanes reached the Class 8A region final last season, and the start so far this season has them highly encouraged.

"I feel like everyone is playing well for us," Ismaili said. "It's not just one player. We all contribute and distribute the ball."

The next big test for PHU, and perhaps the last before district tournament play, is Oct. 16 at Clearwater Central Catholic. Both CCC and PHU have its sights set on the state tournament.

"It's coming together as the season goes on," Barker said. "We're getting better and better as a team."

Kuk agrees.

"It just seems like we've got every spot covered," she said. "We can serve, our setter is one of the best in the county. Our hitters are consistent and take turns being superstars."

Contact Rodney Page at rpage@tampabay.com. Follow @RodneyHomeTeam.