Westminster Academy finds spark

BY FABIAN LYONflyon@MiamiHerald.com

For Westminster Academy parents waiting on volleyball practice to end Wednesday, sitting on the far side of the gym was not an option.

Freshman Leigh Andrew and sophomore McKenzie Keightly were driving the white practice balls so hard into the gym floor, they ricocheted into the stands as if shot out of a popcorn maker. So the safe bet for the parents was to keep their distance.

Nicknamed ''Hammer'' and ''Wall'' for their powerful play around the net, the rising Andrew-Keightly tandem has the Lions (17-4) talking up the possibility of winning their first state title.

''We haven't faced anybody that has the double team of Leigh and McKenzie,'' said Lions coach Lauren Leggett. ``Both of them are our go-to players. They are both so talented and good at making quick adjustments. Having both of them on the court really puts us in a great position.''

Each brings a diverse skill set to the court.

Andrew is 14 but already regarded as one of the county's top all-around players. Going into Thursday night's matchup against Highlands Christian, Andrew was averaging 14 kills and 10 digs from her primary role as outside hitter. Andrew's game is built around power with the added advantage of being ambidextrous which makes her jump serve a not-so-secret weapon.

Junior captain Jenny Walsh, nicknamed the Professor for her analytical approach to the game, said Andrew was particularly revved up for a Sept. 9 victory over 2007 Class 2A state finalist King's Academy in which Andrew tallied 12 digs and 14 kills and against Coral Springs Christian, when she had 16 digs and a career-high 26 kills.

''Leigh had the game of her life against Coral Springs Christian,'' said Walsh, who has 222 digs. ``She was insane both offensively and defensively. She had like 25 kills, just took the game over. She doesn't notice she is a freshman. She is a very mature player.''

Keightly, 15, is listed at 6-1 but probably appears much taller to opponents. Blessed with long arms and great defensive instincts, Keightly earned the nickname ''Wall'' for her dramatic blocks along the frontline.

Andrew said that Keightly (150 kills and 57 blocks) provides an intimidating presence to opponents.

''We are fortunate to have McKenzie,'' Andrew said. ``She is a great front-row hitter and blocker.

``It's always good to have that other good hitter on your team. We play really good together.''

Kristen Kelley, Emily McMurtrey, Tori Wanner, Jillian Sherman and Katie Hepp have also turned in strong seasons for the Lions, who still have big tests against Westminster Christian and Lake Worth Christian before Districts start on Oct. 27.

The Lions' best seasons came in 2001 and 2004 when they lost to Tampa Prep in the 2A title games. With perhaps their deepest team in years, the Lions are a legitimate threat to get back to Lakeland and win it all this season.

Keightly knows for that to happen, her on-court bond with Andrew will have to be the difference.

''We play real good together,'' Keightly said. ``I always know that if they set her she will get a kill or at least hit it really hard. If she is in back row she will get the pass so they can set me. Whatever it takes, we find a way to get it done.''

GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL

• Cypress Bay d. McArthur 25-5, 25-9, 25-17: Michelle Batista had 12 points, 10 assists and five digs. Alejandra Dominguez had nine points, 11 assists and 11 digs.

 

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