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Hernando Today

Angels Seek Sequel

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: June 19, 2008

For many of the members of the Spring Hill Angels (ages 9-10) All-Stars, last year played out like a dream come true.

The 2007 Spring Hill Darlings (ages 7-8) All-Stars won the state championship, advanced to the World Series and went 3-2, coming within one game of playing for the title.

This year's Angels feature Celine Kordon, Jacqueline Pennett, Kaeleen Koehler, Peyton Varela, Sarah Brown, Abbey Primavera, Ashley Logan, Brianna Harvey, Skylar Heyward, Sarah Kelly, Amanda Leyden and Kama Woodall.

Six of those 12, Brown, Heyward, Kordon, Leyden, Primavera and Woodall, were on that Darlings team last year.

Glenn Primavera served as an assistant coach to Melissa Russell. This year, he will fill the role of head coach.

"I think the girls want to get back so bad because they had such a great time last year," Primavera said. "Also it helps the girls that didn't make it because they want to taste that, as well.

"This year, the biggest key is going to be pitching and solid defense. If we shut the other teams down, we know we're going to score some runs because of the hitting."

Spring Hill opens the District 4 Tournament today at 6:30 p.m. at Oakridge Park in New Port Richey, facing West Pasco. Hernando, East Pasco and Wesley Chapel are also in the double-elimination tournament.

Based on what he has seen in practice thus far, Primavera likes his team's chances of finding more success.

"I think they're looking fantastic," Primavera said. "We have a real strong team as far as I can tell. The best thing about the team is balance. I've got great confidence in our hitting, fielding and pitching."

Primavera believes this to be the toughest district based on what he saw from last year's State Tournament. The Darlings had no district tournament last year, allowing every team in the district to advance to states.

Yet his expectations remain high, especially in light of previous accomplishments.

"I think anything less than getting to the State Tournament would be a disappointment," Primavera said. "I do expect to get there. But I know I'm very proud of these kids win, lose or draw."

Hernando gets bye

Hernando won't have the opportunity to play until Saturday, as it has received a first-round bye.

Kay Cozart will coach a team of Rebecca Cozart, Madison Darby, Kaylee Frascatore, Alyssa Gonzalez, Chyloe Gonzalez, Kathryn Gonzalez, Sydney Goodwin, Autumn Grieves, Kelley Madden, Lauren Moore, Samantha Smith and Tynisha Williams.

"We're doing pretty good," Cozart said. "We have good days and bad days. They're young kids. But they're playing pretty well. If we play like we think we can play we should do very well.

"Overall I think the biggest thing is try to play as a team. I don't think any one area is really that strong."

Cozart said her five pitchers, Rebecca Cozart, Darby, Alyssa Gonzalez, Kathryn Gonzalez and Moore, have all performed well during the season and in practice.

She feels she has several players that can hit the ball well, including Grieves, Williams, Kathryn Gonzalez, Chyloe Gonzalez and Goodwin.

"I think if we come out there and pitch like I think we can and hit the ball some and play some defense," Cozart said, "I don't see why we can't take it."

2008 Hernando Angels (ages 9-10) All-Stars
Name Position
Rebecca Cozart          P/1B
Madison Darby           2B/OF/P
Kaylee Frascatore       OF
Alyssa Gonzalez         P/2B
Chyloe Gonzalez         C/1B
Kathryn Gonzalez P/SS
Sydney Goodwin          C/3B
Autumn Grieves          3B/SS
Kelley Madden           OF
Lauren Moore            P/OF
Samantha Smith          OF
Tynisha Williams        OF
Head Coach: Kay Cozart
Assistant coaches: Lisa Darby, Stephany Goodwin

2008 Spring Hill Angels (ages 9-10) All-Stars
Name Position
Celine Kordon           3B/P
Jacqueline Pennett      LF
Kaeleen Koehler         OF
Peyton Varela           RF/P
Sarah Brown             SS/P
Abbey Primavera         1B
Ashley Logan            OF/P
Brianna Harvey          C
Skylar Heyward          2B/P
Sarah Kelly             2B/OF
Amanda Leyden           OF
Kama Woodall            OF/2B
Head Coach: Glenn Primavera
Assistant coaches: Rich Woodall, Gary Logan
 
COMING ATTRACTIONS
WHAT: Dixie Angels (ages 9-10) All-Stars District 4 Tournament
WHEN: June 19-22
WHERE: Oakridge Park in New Port Richey
AT STAKE: District championship and spot in July 3 State Tournament at Belleview.
DIRECTIONS: Turn left on Trinity Boulevard off State Road 54. Turn right on Little Road, turn left on Mitchell Boulevard. Turn right on Seven Springs Boulevard. The park is located at 2141 Seven Springs Blvd.

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

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