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Walking Away with the Top Seed

SOFTBALL

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

HCA's Audrey Allen went 1-for-3 and drove in a game-high three RBI in Wednesday's 17-0 1A-8 win over visiting Ocala-Meadowbrook Academy in Brooksville.

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By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

Hernando Today

Published: March 26, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - It took 80 minutes Thursday afternoon for host Hernando Christian Academy to pencil themselves into next month's Class 1A, District 6 finale.
In a tiny, three-team district, the Lady Lions clinched the top seed in April 23's final by completing the seasonal sweep over No. 2 seed Ocala-Meadowbrook Academy, 17-0.
HCA's lone highlight was a first-inning single by Mustang pitcher Shannon Sandlin, who was eventually stranded at third base.
Despite the win, HHS Head Coach Ernie Chatman said Thursday's game was an aberration.
"We've got to forget this game," said the Florida Athletic Association Hall of Famer. "It wasn't real. It turns out, their top pitcher was hurt. Based on how we played I wish we would have seen her. Believe me, we are not 17 runs better than anybody. I thought we played sloppy and we certainly didn't hit the way we have lately."
Biggest positive?
"When Courtney (Riddle) relieved Alicia, I thought she threw the ball well the last two innings," indicated Chatman. "She had some pop."

Chamber of Commerce conditions

Thursday's contest played under a slight breeze and 83-degree temperatures stood in stark contrast to March 10's nail biting 5-4 win in Marion County.
This time, the Lions (13-3 overall, 3-0 1A-6) collected seven hits and took advantage of 14 free passes off Meadowbrook right-hander Sandlin (0-1).
The rematch was decided quickly behind a seven-run first inning.
HCA paraded 13 batters to the plate. Four players, including Madeline Hanshaw, Melissa Weaver, Madison Manuel and Heidi Riley all drew bases-loaded walks to force home runs.
HCA starting pitcher Alicia Field helped her own cause with a two-run double.
After a scoreless second inning, HCA tallied three runs in the third frame.
Riley, who led all hitters with two safeties, had an RBI single, while Jackie Butler coaxed another bases loaded free pass for an RBI and Audrey Allen pushed home another with a groundout.
HCA added seven runs in the fourth as Brianna Hogan, Hannah Griffith and Brynn Ortiz all walked with the sacks jammed to force home a run, Riley added an RBI single and Allen chipped in a two-run double.
Allen, who came in hitting .366, finished 1-for-3 and drove in a game-high three RBI.
"I thought I had a horrible game (Tuesday against Springstead), so it was much better today," Allen said. "I'm learning out there."
How crucial was beating Meadowbrook?
"This (game) will help us get ready for districts," replied the 17-year-old Allen. "I know defensively, I feel much better tonight than how I played Tuesday."
Madeline Hanshaw was one eight Lions to score at least two runs in the game.
"On a game like this it was really hard to concentrate," admitted the 15-year-old Hanshaw. "After we scored early, I'd thought they'd start to pick up the pace; but they never did.
"To me, this was a big win," she added. "This puts us in first in the district and we're one step closer to one of our biggest goals – winning districts."

HCA 17, Meadowbrook 0 (4 1/2 Innings)
123 45 R H E
MEA 000 00 -- 0 1 5
HCA 703 7X -- 17 7 1
MEA – Sandlin and S. Thomas.
HCA – Field, Riddle (4) and Riley.
W – Field (10-1). L – Sandlin (0-1).
2B – Field, Allen (HCA).
Records – Meadowbrook Academy (7-2 overall, 2-2 1A-6), Hernando Christian Academy (13-3 overall, 3-0 1A-6).

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at 352-544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com.

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