Jan 19, 2000 - 12:59 PM

Bucs, Crusaders play to tentative 0-0 tie
ERIK ERLENDSSON Tribune correspondent

TAMPA - Two weeks before the district tournament, the top two teams in Class 1A-District 8 appeared like they still were trying to figure themselves out.

Berkeley Prep (10-5-4) and Tampa Catholic (9-2-2) - undefeated in district play - played to a scoreless tie on Tuesday, which means the top seed for the district tournament will be decided by a coin flip, pending Tampa Catholic's game today with Tampa Prep.

``This game was played sloppy,'' Tampa Catholic coach Rori Rushing-Braum said. ``It was like both teams were just waiting for something to happen.''

Instead, not much happened at all as the two teams combined for six shots. Julisse Maya's one-on-one chance with Berkeley keeper Lauren Lanza in the 20th minute was the only legitimate scoring chance either team could muster. Lanza came off her line to challenge Maya, who shot the ball wide.

``Nobody on either side looked like they wanted to be the person to step it up and take charge of the game,'' Berkeley coach Ken Roberts said.

The one player who did - Berkeley's Alexi Riofrio - went out with an ankle injury early in the second half and was carried off the field. Roberts said Riofrio may miss a game or two but should be back well before the district tournament, which will be held at Berkeley Prep the week of Jan. 31.

The game was played in the air with Berkeley trapping the Crusaders into numerous offside calls. Tampa Catholic countered with a physical style, which resulted in four yellow cards.

``Both sides played hard, but it was good because we have sort of developed this friendly rivalry over the past few years,'' Rushing-Braum said.

©2000 Tampa Tribune