Volleyball All-Stars set for showdown at Merritt Island

ED PIERCE
FLORIDA TODAY

Fans who attend Saturday�s Space Coast All-Star Series volleyball match at 6 p.m. at Merritt Island High School will certainly find something to cheer about.

It could be in the game action or just the chance to see a mix of senior stars competing for the last time in their prep careers.

Drawing upon talent from both public and private schools, the annual match up pits athletes from North Brevard high schools against opponents from South Brevard.

�This is quite a rivalry each year,� said Giles Malone, Space Coast Series co-director. �For some time now this match has been highly competitive and closely watched by college recruiters. It�s a fact that a number of these players always move on to play college volleyball afterward.�

Proceeds from the match are donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Florida and used to provide after-school programs for young children across the Space Coast.

�Nobody loses from this event,� Malone said. �These outstanding athletes are recognized for what they have done on the court, they gain much-needed exposure before college scouts and proceeds from the match go to a worthy cause. You can�t ask for more than that.�

Angie Patrick of Meritt Island High will coach the North All-Stars, while Troy White of Palm Bay High will coach the South team.

Patrick led Merritt Island to a record of 24-5, the Class 4A District 13 championship and a regional semifinal berth this season. She just completed her fourth season as the Mustangs coach and was an outstanding college volleyball player at Florida Tech.

White guided Palm Bay to the Class 6A, District 6 championship in 2005 and a regional quarterfinal berth. He just completed his fourth season as the Pirates� coach.

Suiting up for the North All-Stars will be Christina Campbell of Astronaut; Katie Murphy and Yoonie Tse of Cocoa Beach; Carrie Cornelius of Cocoa; Amanda Weekley, Jessica Quinn and Bryn Hafer of Merritt Island Christian; Brittany Lamarca of Merritt Island; Briana Ballard of Rockledge; Frankie Kirk and Allison Zittel of Space Coast; Peggy Compton and Sarah Maynard of Temple Christian; and Jaimie Dembowski, Alissa Mandernack and Laura Diesel of Titusville.

Playing for the South All-Stars will be Akaila Amara, Amee Linger and Josie Ratliff of Palm Bay; Leslie Pepin and Morgan Wixted of West Shore; Amanda Graham and Arielle Parnell of Eau Gallie; Tori Leslie and Alicia Olexa of Satellite; Catie Nunez and Katrina Sirounis of Melbourne; Kristian Foree and Ashleigh Bowen of Covenant Christian; Crystal Bowser of Brevard Christian; Amanda Doyle of Bayside; and Noelle Huegli of Holy Trinity.

Tickets for the match will be available at the door and are priced at $7 for adults and $5 for students.