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Hernando Today

Having Gotten Taste For Victory, Team Hungry For More

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: July 4, 2008

For several years, Paul Sinwelski's Dixie Softball All-Star squads seemed to always come up short at the State Tournament.

Finally last year, his Hernando Debs (ages 16-18) broke through, winning the state championship and advancing to the World Series, where the team finished as the runner-up.

This year Sinwelski will again field a squad, which begins play today in the State Tournament at Belleview Sports Complex.

The team features Meredith Hanshaw, Alexandra Hayden, Jessica Kreider, Mary Ellen Langley, Elizabeth Letts, Destinee Mormando, Brittany Parker, Heather Roush, Brittany Rudy, Ch'antia Sanders, Stephanie Sinwelski and Amber Suiters.

"They're hungry for the opportunity to go for it," Coach Sinwelski said. "We'd like to get a trip to Louisiana (for the World Series) to see if we can win it all this year."

Losing Lowman

So what's different about this year's team? With nine returnees (only Parker, Sanders and Suiters are new), on paper not much has changed.

However, Hernando no longer has the services of left-handed ace pitcher Ari Lowman (3-1, 1.30 earned run average last year).

"I believe defensively we're a much stronger team," Sinwelski said. "I have a lot more versatility in my players. I can move them around. Offensively we have more power in the lineup and consistency.

"Pitching wise, of course it's a loss to lose a player like Ari Lowman. The way other girls have developed, we think we'll be in good shape pitching. We'll still be strong in the pitching area."

Hernando still has recent Hernando Christian Academy graduates Hanshaw and Langley to turn to on the mound.

In high school play this past season, Hanshaw went 8-3 with a 2.10 ERA while Langley went 5-3 with a 1.20 ERA for the district champion Lady Lions.

Also available is Stephanie Sinwelski, who went 1-0 with 2.15 ERA in eight Dixie appearances last year and 3-2 with a 3.08 ERA for Hernando High. Letts and Suiters are listed as pitchers, as well.

Coach Sinwelski admittedly knew almost nothing about the field in this double-elimination event - the schedule for the tournament was not released until last night's opening ceremonies.

Still he feels his players have "a lot more confidence this year" but acknowledged that repeating last year's performance won't be easy.

An improved defense may help, considering Sinwelski attributed errors to part of his team's downfall in a 14-2 loss to Georgetown County (S.C.) in the World Series title game.

"We played a good game, solid defense. Errors cost us," Sinwelski said. "Eliminate that, we'll stay in the game and give us a great chance to win it."

This year's World Series starts Aug. 2 in Alexandria, La. Only the state champion from Florida will advance.

"We're confident in the kids and their abilities," Sinwelski said. "If we play to our abilities, we have a great chance to make it to Worlds again."
2008 Hernando Debs (ages 16-18) All-Stars
Name Position
Meredith Hanshaw P/OF/1B
Alexandra Hayden 1B
Jessica Kreider SS/OF/3B
Mary Ellen Langley P/C/UTIL
Elizabeth Letts 2B/P
Destinee Mormando SS/OF
Brittany Parker OF
Heather Roush OF
Brittany Rudy C
Ch'antia Sanders 3B
Stephanie Sinwelski P/UTIL
Amber Suiters 2B/OF/C/P
Head coach: Paul Sinwelski
Assistant coaches: Jim Langley, Richard Hayden
 
Coming attractions
WHAT: 2008 Dixie Debs (ages 16-18) All-Stars State Tournament
WHEN: July 4-7
WHERE: Belleview Sports Complex
AT STAKE: State championship and spot in Aug. 2 World Series at Alexandria, La.
DIRECTIONS: Take Interstate 75 north to exit for County Road 484, take exit toward Belleview. County Road 484 will become Southeast Hames Road (U.S. Highway 27 alternate), continue on and take left on Southeast 65th Court. Turn right on Southeast 107th Street, the park is located at 6501 Southeast 107th Street.

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

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