'Practice makes perfect'

Unlike the other six teams in the Darlings (ages 7-8) portion of the Dixie State Championship Tournament brackets, Hernando has patiently waited its turn to play in the same sandbox.
This year's Darlings State Tourney features a seven-team field: Belleview, Hardee, Holmes County, Wahneta, West Pasco, Wewahitchka and host Hernando in a double-elimination format.
All but Hernando have played their way to Tom Varn Park.
Meanwhile, HYL Head Coach Nathan Carter has taken his kids to task. His squad has practiced for three weeks in the Florida sun.
So will the HYL club be at a disadvantage as it opens at 10:30 a.m. Friday against District 4 champion West Pasco?
"Yes, to some extent," replied Coach Carter. "Now, while other teams were playing games that counted, we've been practicing 4-5 times a week for three weeks. That's a lot development time. Right now, I don't know how we'll hold up. I'll tell you our softball skills have improved as we've practiced."

Darlings 101

Hernando's Darlings club consists of Lacey Garman, Alexandra Shenefield, Karli Kimbrough, Breanna McAlpine, Kelssey Elliott, Hayden Kimbrough, Emily Buttelman, Ashley Carter, Hailey Cook, Kaitlynn Johnson, Meagan Metoyer and Jessica Flaherty.
Four players return from last year's HYL All-Star squad including Carter, Flaherty, Shenefield and Johnson.
Coach Carter will be aided by assistant coaches Steve Shenefield, Sean Flaherty and Alan Garman.
How does the team appear on the eve of states?
"Defensively, if I had to grade our efforts so far, I'd give it a 'B'," he said. "We've shored some things up. Offensively, I think we can hit from top to bottom."
Who is expected to lead the hit parade?
"If you called every parent I think they'd say Ashley (Carter)," admitted the proud papa. "She even makes hard outs. Now, the most improved batter is Karli (Kimbrough). Six months ago she wasn't even playing softball. But she's steadily improved."
Any pressure as the host team?
"I personally like the home-field advantage," explained Coach Carter. "I've had an incredible amount of help and cooperation from the parents this year."
What about opening the tourney against always-tough West Pasco?
"For us, not playing anybody is critical," Carter said. "We picked 12 girls from a 20-girl league. The first game always sets the tone. I really want to get a 'W'.
"Looking back at districts, West Pasco was a little intimidating," he added. "I realize we would have had to play them to get here. The biggest thing I see about West Pasco is they'll take advantage of whatever mistakes a team makes."
For HYL to contend, what will it take?
"First of all, we've got to minimize our errors. We've also got to hit the ball and force other teams to match scores with us," pointed out Coach Carter. "We'll run when we get the opportunity, but we've got play one base at a time."

COMING ATTRACTIONS
WHAT: Dixie Darlings (ages 7-8) All-Stars State Championship Tournament.
WHO: Seven-team field: Belleview, Holmes County, Wahneta, West Pasco, Wewahitchka, Hardee, and host Hernando in a double-elimination format.
WHEN: July 3-7.
WHERE: Tom Varn Park Complex, 306 Darby Lane, Brooksville, FL 34601.
AT STAKE: State champion in each of the five age divisions will represent Team Florida in the July 31 Dixie World Series in Sumter, N.C.

Hernando Darlings (ages 7-8) All-Stars
NO. NAME POS.
01 Lacey Garman C/OF
04 Alexandra Shenefield P/OF
05 Karli Kimbrough 1B/P
07 Breanna McAlpine LF/1B
08 Kelssey Elliott RF/2B
09 Hayden Kimbrough 2B/OF
13 Emily Buttelman OF/3B
14 Ashley Carter 3B/OF
15 Hailey Cook C/OF
33 Kaitlynn Johnson SS/P
67 Meagan Metoyer OF
99 Jessica Flaherty P/SS
Head Coach - Nathan Carter.
Assistant Coaches - Steve Shenefield, Sean Flaherty, Alan Garman.