When Kate Correa was hired as the volleyball coach at Newsome two weeks before tryouts, she didn't expect she'd fall into winning situation.

The Wolves were coming off a 10-5 season in which they reached the Class 5A region quarterfinals.

The Wolves returned key players from last year's team and are undefeated at 5-0 heading into
Tuesday's match against Brandon (4-1). Last year, Newsome entered its match with Brandon at 9-0, but lost to the Eagles in three games.

Correa believes the team has the potential to reach the playoff again this season.

"Someone handed me a winning season," she said.

Correa said the play of senior middle hitters Hilary Byrd and Jennifer Worth is why the Wolves are undefeated. Byrd is second in Hillsborough County in blocks with 31, along with 14 kills and 22 assists, while Worth is third in the county with 30 blocks.

"If we can run through our middle efficiently, we will win ball games," she said.

Correa said she's also been impressed with junior outside hitter Jonni Raga and senior outside hitter Emma Shelley.

"They have the skills, but they were a little undisciplined," she said. "I told them "I'm here because I love volleyball and I'll teach you what I know about volleyball."

And she knows her fair share.

Correa played three years at Tampa Prep, winning two state titles before graduating in 1997. Plant volleyball coach Leanna Taylor is her sister-in-law.

Newsome earned its biggest win of the season over Durant on Thursday. Correa said it could have been the turning point of the season.

"They were playing like they wanted to win," she said. "We played with a lot of heart. I cried after the game because I was so proud of them."

Bayshore runner-up at Keswick

Bayshore Christian finished second at the Keswick tournament last weekend. The Faith Warriors (6-2) finished first in their pool with wins over Canterbury and Boca Ciega, then defeated longtime rival Bradenton Christian in the semifinal round 25-17, 21-25, 15-12.

Bayshore lost to St. Pete Catholic in the championship match, 16-25, 19-25.

Junior outside hitter Gabby Fernandez and senior middle hitter Valencia King were named to the all-tournament team.

Berkeley-Tampa Prep

The annual rivalry match between Berkeley Prep and Tampa Prep will be played Tuesday at Tampa Prep at 7 p.m.
Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.