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Scrooge visits Sarasota

The Sarasota Riptide hosted the South Florida Rattlers for what they hoped would be an early Christmas gift to themselves. South Florida had other idea's and was hoping to play the role of Scrooge. With the temperature barely hitting 55 degrees in Sarasota, it felt like old St. Nick's workshop was just around the corner. In a gym that may have been even colder than outside, the ball reflected the chill with bounces that were more common to medicine balls.

Sarasota had their regular roster of Pat O'Conner (3.0), Dale Santella - Scott Graham & Nick Price, all 2.0's along with Ed Hooper (1.0) and two new low pointers named Billie and Mack who were getting their first introduction to the game. The Rattlers lineup included 2.5 Rich Hearn, 2.0 John Bishop, 1.5 Dave Harrison and 0.5 Charles Ray. As a holiday surprise, they also brought along 3.0 Mark Zupan from the Atlanta Rolling Thunder.

Both teams were anxious for the game to begin to help warm-up the holiday chill in the air. The tip-off was won by South Florida who scored first, then caused 3 turnovers in a row to take a 4-0 lead. The Riptide was sluggish and flustered, and went down by 6 by the end of the 1st period. The 2nd and 3rd periods were more typical for these teams as goals were traded evenly, but the Rattlers maintained their 6 point lead throughout. In the 4th period, the Rattlers went on a 8 to 2 sleigh ride to win the first game -- 29 to 17.

After a short break, a second game was played with four 20 minute "running clock" periods. The Rattlers again won the tip-off and scored the first goal. Sarasota was having problems breaking South Florida's press and the score quickly reflected the results of this. With a 15-5 lead at the half, the Rattlers dropped their press and concentrated on a key defense. With more room for the Riptide to roll, the 3rd period became their most productive as they scored 8 points to the Rattlers 12. When all was said and done, South Florida had won with a final score of 40 to 21.

Being that South Florida was aided by the addition of Mark Zupan for these games, it would not be fair to say that the Rattlers rocked the Riptide. Having been there and played, I will say that the fight for that 4th spot at sectionals should be interesting in deed!

These clubs have had a rivalry since their inception, and both know that there is probably only room for one of them at Sectionals. With Tampa, Suncoast and Atlanta likely having a lock on 3 of the berths, the 4th should be left for either the Rattlers, Riptide or new comers Charlotte Panthers. The Rattlers are hosting the Eastern Sectional Playoffs in West Palm Beach Florida on March 21-23, 1997 and will be looking to put that 4th spot on their dance card.

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