Nature Coast Takes County Control

After several years of flirting with the area's elite, Nature Coast Technical finally broke through.
One of three county co-champions in 2006, and a district runner-up three straight seasons, in 2007 the Lady Sharks swept their way to the Hernando County Athletic Conference crown.
Then they unseated perennial power Hudson High en route the Class 4A, District 8 title, though their season came to a close in the regional quarterfinals for a fourth straight time.
Still, Nature Coast finished up 20-6 on the campaign and left no doubt of its local dominance. Thus three Lady Sharks, Kayla Bailey, Alex Livengood and Randi Roppolo, are members of the 2007 Hernando Today All-County Team.
Additionally, Livengood earned Player of the Year honors and Head Coach Dan Murphy took home Coach of the Year.
"It means the girls pushed their way through it," said Murphy, completing his first full season as headman. "I just pushed them along. I don't think I did anything special."
The rest of the All-County Team, compiled with input from the county's coaches, features: Jackie Butler of Hernando Christian Academy, Central's Quynn Fonseca and Amy Mihok, Hernando's Katie Geiger and April Griffey, and Springstead's Mary Martin.

Livengood, Roppolo repeat

Livengood, a sophomore who played both middle and outside hitter, and the junior Roppolo, who played on the outside and some setter, are the only repeat selections from the 2006 All-County squad.
Along with Bailey, a junior middle, Nature Coast possessed a sturdy core for a still blossoming team.
"Randi was an all-around player. We used her everywhere," Murphy said. "When she puts her mind to it, she's one of the stronger defensive people out there.
"Kayla was very strong in the middle. Her blocking was coming on strong at the end of the year. She was tough. When we needed a go-to player in the middle, she was there.
"Alex was strong on defense and our go-to hitter when we needed her. I have high expectations for all three of them this coming year."
Hernando (13-12) lost its two all-county players from 2006, including Player of the Year Cheyenne Sellers. The Lady Leopards started 1-6 under second-year Head Coach Cristi Charlow, the 2006 Coach of the Year.
However, they bounced back to record a winning season, receiving strong play from seniors such as Geiger on the outside and Griffey in the middle.
"April Griffey is trying to get the ball non-stop," Charlow said. "She's just a great kid.
"...Katie is a darn good athlete and has the best attitude. She was our best passer, best server. She just did it all. And she has a wonderful attitude. She's always happy-go-lucky, never irritated. She's very supportive of everyone."
Rebuilding Central struggled at times to a 7-19 mark. The Lady Bears leaned on the senior Mihok, who evolved from a setter to playing the middle and outside and tallying 96 kills.
Meanwhile the sophomore Fonseca showed great potential for veteran Head Coach Vicki Weaver, notching 127 kills.
"She's (Fonseca) a real strong middle," Weaver said. "We'll see a lot more of her over the next two years.
"...Amy can play the middle because she has played middle. She can play the right side or the left side. Plus she could help (Angela) Wooster setting. She's intelligent and has played every position on the court."
The junior Butler played a major role in HCA's 7-0 start, though the Lady Lions had a rough second half to finish 12-8 and lose in the first round of the Class 1A, District 3 Tournament.
"She played a great middle," HCA Head Coach Sue Murphy said. "She's the tallest on the team. She played a good back row. She could do it all; a good athlete.
"She was extremely vital. She was a major player. We definitely wouldn't have done as well without her."
Martin, a senior setter, completed a solid prep career for the Lady Eagles. Springstead went 3-16, and will have a new coach next season after Jessica Allnutt resigned following four years at the helm.
"Mary was definitely our leader on the court," Allnutt said. "She is a very smart player and very dedicated. She'd give 100 percent when she'd only have 90 in her. She played hurt and was a very good leader on the cour"

2007 HERNANDO TODAY ALL-COUNTY VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Player Sch Yr Position
Bailey, Kayla NCT Jr MH
Butler, Jackie HCA Jr MH
Fonseca, Quynn CEN So MH
Geiger, Katie HER Sr OH
Griffey, April HER Sr MH
Livengood, Alex* NCT So MH/OH
Martin, Mary SPG Sr Setter
Mihok, Amy CEN Sr MH/OH
Roppolo, Randi* NCT Jr OH
Player of the Year - Alex Livengood (NCT)
Coach of the Year - Dan Murphy (NCT)
* Denotes repeat selection