Posted on Sat, Apr. 12, 2008

After making quick work of Western on Friday, the Cardinal Gibbons boys' volleyball team wasted little time celebrating its 17th win of the season. Instead, the Chiefs sprinted -- almost as one -- to the adjacent court.

They had something to watch.

Their subject: the then-undefeated Olympia High School out of Orlando, a potential opponent and one of 16 teams in the Chiefs' sixth annual Jungle Queen tournament.

Their assessment?

''They looked really good,'' senior Austin Belt said.

''Obviously, they're big competition,'' junior Nick Williams said.

Olympia also got beat later that day, upset by Douglas 25-21, 25-18. That's just what happens at these tournaments, where there's plenty more at stake than just the title, which will be decided Saturday.

For one, there's education. As in, preparation for the state tournament.

Or, as coach Marcy Meyer put it, ``The more you see, the more you learn.''

That's why Meyer's team has spent back-to-back weeks challenging itself in tournaments. The Jungle Queen lineup features some of the strongest teams from Broward and Miami-Dade, along with Olympia and Orlando Bishop Moore.

And Bishop Moore is no stranger to the Chiefs. Cardinal Gibbons -- which triumphed in all three of its contests Friday -- won four of five matches last week to take third at the Hornets' tournament. For the Chiefs, it was another learning experience, even if a semifinal-round loss to Chicago's Brother Rice cost the team its own shot at an undefeated season.

''Your first loss is tough, obviously,'' Williams said. ``When you're not losing and you get your first loss, [it's hard].''

But. . .

``It kind of helps to do it now, instead of when it's your last game of the season.''

Also, win or lose, teams have been able to see teams of all different styles and skill levels. The tournaments' cramped schedules -- Jungle Queen forces teams to play five matches in two days -- test their character, and ''really help your team come together and get a lot better,'' Williams said.

So, win or lose, Meyer said all 16 teams will come away from the two-day event improved. And with the state tournament always the Chiefs' focus -- although Belt warned of ''a tough district'' that includes the talented St. Thomas Aquinas (just one loss all year, to Cardinal Gibbons, before falling Friday to Chaminade-Madonna) -- Meyer believes they'll be ready.

Especially for Olympia, after a little up-close scouting.

''Even if we play them and lose [Saturday],'' Williams said, ``we want to see them as much as we can. We're going to see them again. Hopefully.''

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL

• Jungle Queen Tournament, Pool A: Ransom Everglades d. Western (25-17, 25-15); Cardinal Gibbons d. Coral Springs (25-10, 25-12); Ransom Everglades d. Coral Springs (25-11, 25-8); Cardinal Gibbons d. Western (25-16, 25-6); Western d. Coral Springs (25-11, 25-13); Cardinal Gibbons d. Ransom Everglades (26-24, 25-20).

• Jungle Queen Tournament, Pool B: Douglas d. Archbishop McCarthy (22-25, 25-21, 15-11); Orlando Olympia d. McArthur (25-12, 25-17); Douglas d. McArthur (25-7, 25-21); Orlando Olympia d. Archbishop McCarthy (25-18, 25-19); Archbishop McCarthy d. McArthur (15-25, 25-20), 15-3); Douglas d. Olympia (25-21, 25-18).

• Jungle Queen Tournament, Pool C: South Broward d. Monarch (25-9, 16-25, 15-11); Bishop Moore d. University (25-15, 25-20); South Broward d. University (25-16, 25-16); Bishop Moore d. Monarch (25-12, 25-18); Monarch d. University (25-16, 22-25, 15-8); Bishop Moore d. South Broward (27-25, 25-21).

• Jungle Queen Tournament, Pool D: Chaminade-Madonna d. Cypress Bay (25-15, 25-18); St. Thomas Aquinas d. Coral Glades (25-13, 25-17); Chaminade-Madonna d. Coral Glades (25-19, 25-20); St. Thomas Aquinas d. Cypress Bay (25-18), 25-17); Coral Glades d. Cypress Bay (25-22, 25-17); Chaminade-Madonna d. St. Thomas Aquinas (25-23, 27-25).

TRACK AND FIELD

Pine Crest senior Jeff Pelage has his boys' basketball state championship ring on order. With the manner Pelage is dominating the discus and shot put, he might end up with a pair of state gold medals to serve as bookends.

The 6-8 Pelage, whose physical play at center helped lead the Panthers to the 3A state title in February, won the discus and shot put titles at the District 14-2A championships at Archbishop McCarthy on Friday afternoon.

Pelage tossed 167-4 in the discus, which moves him up to No. 5 in the state. In the shot put, which Pelage considers the stronger of his events, Pelage went 54-5 which ranks No. 6 in Florida.

''I really believe I can win states this year,'' said Pelage, who finished 11th in the discus and fifth in the shot put at the 2007 State Finals. ``It is the push that I have. I know where I finished last year. I am doing way better as far as technique and progression during practice.''

With seven events scored, the Archbishop McCarthy boys' team holds a tentative 88.5-77 lead against Pine Crest heading into Saturday's running events. Cardinal Gibbons, which is expected to score big in the sprints and distance events Saturday, holds a 69.5-68.5 lead against Archbishop on the girls' side.

The top four qualifiers advance to the Region 4-2A championships at Miami Belen Jesuit on April 18.

Archbishop picked up 20 points from senior Jonathan Ramirez, who swept the long jump and triple jump titles. Ramirez, a standout football player, won the long jump on his last effort, launching himself 21-11.50 to nip Coral Springs Charter's Chris Charles (21.10). Ramirez won the triple jump with a leap of 43-.50

''It feels great,'' Ramirez said. ``I have been reaching my goals. The coach has been showing me new drills. I hear good things. Hopefully, God willing I can do very well at states.''

The boys' 3,200 meter relay title went to Pine Crest, who clocked 8:36.71 behind Matt Bedick, Victor Pinedo, Chris Baker and Nick Manousos.

Chaminade sophomore Gissell Warner also grabbed a piece of the spotlight by winning the triple jump in a school and Archbishop stadium record 36-2.50. Warner's teammate Charline Neptune placed second with 33-9.

-- FABIAN LYON

• District 14-2A -- Boys' individual results: 3,200 relay: 1. Pine Crest ( Matt Bedick, Victor Pinedo, Chris Baker, Nick Manousos) 8:36.71; 2. Archbishop 8:40.08; 3. North Broward Prep 8:50.97; 4. Cardinal Gibbons 9:05.31. High jump: 1. Byron Hankerson (AH) 6-0; 2. Green (PC) 6-0; 3. Chance (CG) 5-10; 4. Henry (PC) 5-10. Pole vault: 1. Andrew Deleo (AM) 14-0; 2. Amodio (AM) 14-0; 3. Mailoux (AM) 13-0; 4. Barrios (CG) 12-6. Long jump: 1. Jonathan Ramirez (AM) 21-11.50; 2. Charles (CSC) 21-10; 3. Higgins (PC) 21-1; 4. Hueck (AM) 19-10. Triple Jump: 1. Jonathan Ramirez (AM) 43-.5; 2. Keise (NBP) 42-2.50; 3. Henry (PC) 41-10; 4. Mailous (AM) 41-2. Discus: 1. Jeff Pelage (PC) 167-4; 2. Sneed (AH) 155-8; 3. Kelly (AM) 12-7; 4. Sutton (CG) 115-6. Shot put: 1. Jeff Pelage (PC) 54-5; 2. Mondshine (PC) 47-11; 3. Sneed (AH) 45-8.50; 4. Kelly (AM) 45-5.5.

• Girls' individual results: 3,200 relay: 1. Cardinal Gibbons (Ariel Urban, Courtney Perry, Jenna Ludwick, Macy Huskey) 10:18.51; 2. Archbishop McCarthy 10:46.30; 3. Pine Crest 10;46.36; 4. Coral Springs Charter 13:24.00. High Jump: 1. Brooke Owen (AM) 5-6; 2. Ross (PC) 5-2; 3. Leniart (CG) 5-0; 4. Berger (PC) 4-10. Pole Vault: 1. Caitlin Schuessler (PC) 10-0; 2. Cassidy (AM) 9-6; 3. Cornelia (AM) 9-0; 4. Wallach (PC) 8-6. Long jump: 1. Marchelle Baker (CG) 16-1.5; 2. Dorsett (CM) 16-0; 3. Jean (PB) 15-4; 4. Leniart (CG) 15-1. Triple jump: 1. Gissell Warner (CM) 36-2.50; 2. Neptune (CM) 33-9; 3. Leniart (CG) 32-2; 4. Cerami (AM) 32-1. Discus: 1. Megan Sichler (US) 112-7.75; 2. Miret (AM) 106-2; 3. Sutton (CG) 96-1.50; 4. Cheatham (CG) 95-10.5. Shot put: 1. Jordyne Steele (CM) 36-9.50; 2. Cheatham (CG) 32-5.50; 3. Sichler (US) 31-1.25; 4. Labossie (AH) 30-10.

NOTEBOOK

Pembroke Pines Charter seniors Robert Mesa and Anthony Bondarenko have received baseball scholarships from Nova Southeastern University, and will sign with the Sharks on Monday, according to a press release.

BASEBALL

SOUTH PLANTATION 6, PIPER 1

Piper 100 000 0 --1 2 4 S. Plantation 600 000 0 --6 5 0 WP: Matt Bledsoe (5-2). LP: John Quick. Top performers: Bledsoe struck out seven, combining with two other pitchers for the two-hitter. Cody Phelps had two hits for the Palidans, while Xavier Mercado homered for the Bengals. Records: Pip 11-12, SP 13-9.

NOVA 10, HOLLYWOOD HILLS 2

Nova 004 402 0 --10 6 1 HH 000 020 0 --2 4 2 WP: Terry Doane (2-1). LP: Moquet. Top performers: Alex Sanchez was 3 for 3 with two runs. Joey Housey had a home run and three RBI. Records: Nova 20-3.

PINES CHARTER 13, MCCARTHUR 3 (5)

MCA 020 10 0 --3 3 1 PC 209 20 0 --13 11 2 WP: Anthony Bondarenko (4-1). LP: Richie Logtier. Top performers: Robert Mesa was 3 for 3 with a triple, a home run and four RBI. Tyler Redding was 1 for 2 with a home run and three RBI. John Hollnagel was 2 for 2 with a double and two RBI. Records: PC 17-6.

CORAL SPRINGS CHARTER 3,

TARAVELLA 1

Taravella 010 000 0 --1 6 3 CS Charter 101 100 X --3 6 1 WP: Dylan Wolchik (7-1). LP: Lee. Top performers: Wolchik went the distance, striking out four, and also went 2 for 2 with a triple and a run. Erik Agras went 1 for 3 with a double and a run, and Derek Vetere went 1 for 3 with an RBI. Records: CSC 12-10, Tara 18-5.

CARDINAL GIBBONS 4,

FORT LAUDERDALE 3

Gibbons 001 021 0 --4 8 2 Ft. Lauderdale 002 100 0 --3 3 3 WP: Tyler Cooper (2-1). LP: Kyle O'Donnell. Top performers: Nick Plaster went 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI. Records: CG 16-7, FTL 9-13.

SOFTBALL

SOUTH BROWARD 16, ELY 8

Ely 016 100 0 --8 6 4 South Broward 450 232 x --16 14 3 WP: Jessica Knapp (4-1). LP: Jackson. Top performers: Kelly Cassidy was 4 for 4 with two runs, two RBI and a stolen base. Karen Patterson was 4 for 4 with a double, triple, four runs and four RBI. Chanelle Matthews was 2 for 5 with a double and a run. Records: SB 9-10.

TARAVELLA 9, WESTERN 3

Tar 060 102 0 --9 12 0 Wes 000 021 0 --3 4 2 WP: Lara Micensky (8-3). LP: Kayla Mineo. Top performers: Amanda Gomes was 3 for 4 with a double and two RBI. Becky Levine was 3 for 4 with three RBI. Brook Asher was 1 for 3 with a two run homer for Western. Records: Tar 18-5.

BOYS' WATER POLO

• Northeast 21, St. Thomas Aquinas 6 (Thurs.): Gerhard Veit and Kyle McCormick led the Hurricanes with seven goals each, while Dereck Guensler had three goals for the Raiders (4-8).

GIRLS' WATER POLO

• St. Thomas Aquinas 19, Northeast 5 (Thurs.): Elina Goldenberg led the Raiders (15-5) with eight goals, while Kat Bauguess had seven saves for St. Thomas. Nadia Gargum led Northeast with four goals.

BOYS' TENNIS

• District 15-2A: Pine Crest 21 (winner), North Broward 17 (runner-up), American Heritage, 12, Pompano Beach 10, Cardinal Gibbons 10, Pembroke Pines Charter 4, Archbishop McCarthy 3, Chaminade-Madonna 2, Coral Springs Charter 0:Singles:No. 1 Janssen (NBP) d. Salzmann (AMC), 6-2, 6-2; 2. Gies (AH) d. Willenborg (PC), 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 6-4; 3. Lederman (PC) d. Goodman (AH), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3; 4. Cohen (NBP) d. de Bracamonte (PC), 6-1, 6-7 (7-1), 6-4; 5. Russell (PC) d. Marczak (AH), 6-1, 6-0; Doubles:No. 1 Janssen/Berry (NBP) d. Willenborg/Muckey (PC), 6-3, 6-2; 2. de Bracamonte/Russell (PC) d. Glazer/Cohen (NBP) 6-3, 6-3.

GIRLS' TENNIS

• District 15-2A: American Heritage 27 (winner), Pine Crest 17 (runner-up), Cardinal Gibbons 11, Pompano Beach 7, North Broward 6, Archbishop McCarthy 5, Coral Springs Charter 4, Pembroke Pines Charter 1, Chaminade-Madonna 0:Singles:No. 1 Sabacinski (AH) d. Wiley (CG), 6-1, 6-2; 2. Kiseleva (AH) d. Epstein (PC), 6-0, 6-1; 3. Di Stefano (AH) d. Aispuro (CG), 6-1, 4-6, 6-0; 4. Russell (PC) d. Buslepp (AH), 6-2, 6-0; 5. Gandleman (AH) d. Malinchak (PC), 6-1, 6-2; Doubles:No. 1 Kiseleva/Sabacinski (AH) d. Kaufman/Wiley (CG), 6-0, 6-0; 2. Gandleman/Di Stefano (AH) d. Plafsky/Russell (PC), 6-1, 6-1.

SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE

BASEBALL

Cypress Bay at Douglas, 11 a.m.

Monarch at St. Andrews, 11 a.m.

SOFTBALL

Tampa Chamberlain at Cooper City, noon

St. Thomas Aquinas at Naples Tournament

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL

Gibbons, Coral Glades, Coral Springs, Cypress Bay, Douglas, Monarch, Northeast, St. Thomas, S. Broward, Western at Jungle Queen Invi.