Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Kyle LoJacono

Freedom softball is stuck between excitement and caution.

The Patriots (10-1, 4-0) are off to the best 11-game start in the program’s 11-year history and sit alone in first place in Class 7A-District 9.

They have scored 107 runs, one more than they had all of last year, while allowing just 24 and have posted a victory over defending 7A state champion Chamberlain, but Freedom is not getting ahead of itself.

Not after last season.

The Patriots were the only 7A-9 team to beat Chamberlain last year and entered the district tournament 11-6. They appeared on track to make their first playoff appearance, but Steinbrenner, a squad Freedom beat twice during the year, dashed those hopes 2-0 in the semifinals.

“We talked about that after the Chamberlain game,” said fifth-year Freedom coach Autum Hernandez. “I said they beat Steinbrenner twice last year and lost in districts. Nothing is guaranteed, and we have to come in every day and prove a point.”

It appears the message hasn’t been lost on Hernandez’s players: “Beating Chamberlain really boosted up our confidence to win against a state champion, but coach stresses not getting overconfident,” said sophomore Grace Street. “We have to play out there like we’re defending ourselves and our school every game. The game before it doesn’t matter — it does not matter. We have to treat each game as a new game.”

Hernandez said she thought this year’s squad had a lot of potential in part because they lost only one player, first baseman Katie Gresham (.288, 10 RBI*), to graduation.

“I didn’t think the start would be quite this fast and for us to score so many runs,” Hernandez said. “We do play in a very tough district, and anyone can win on any night, so we could have several more losses.”

Hernandez added several freshmen to the returning core, including catcher Maddy Hall, second baseman/outfielder Mallory McManus and outfielder Patti Pellegrin.

“The first day of practice you could see that they were good players,” said junior center fielder Carlson. “Maddy, Mallory, Patti; all the freshmen are looking really good.”

The squad also got a key addition in senior pitcher/first baseman Katlin Hall, Maddy’s sister. The Wharton transfer adds depth to a rotation that included only Street last year.

“Grace was our workhorse last year,” Hernandez said. “She threw every single inning, and I think now she can throw her game more because if something isn’t working, or if she’s struggling, she knows someone can come in behind her and help out. … It’s helped her mindset. Katlin has been a good addition this year. She’s really helped the whole staff because she’s just a really good pitcher, but she’s also a senior who’s been doing it for a long time, and that helps with experience for the younger girls.”

Street said she’s been able to relax more while pitching, which has allowed her to amass a 4-0 record with a 1.54 ERA.

“It lets me actually take a breather, and when I was the only pitcher, if I were to get hurt we’d be in big trouble,” Street said. “Now that we have some more pitchers, it’s definitely useful, and other teams won’t be able to catch on to our pitches as easily. … I thought about it a lot during the season, and it was really hard to maintain pitching and my grades as a freshman.”

Hall has gone 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA, while freshman Ashlee Markoritz is 3-0 and has yet to give up an earned run. Hall said they have confidence in whoever is starting.

“So does the whole team,” Katlin said. “We know we can all get the job done, and that makes it easy knowing that everyone trusts each other.”

The bolstered pitching staff has been an improvement, but the biggest upgrade is at the plate.

The Patriots have a .382 team batting average, 76 points better than last season, with .449 on-base percentage.

Maddy (.500, 16 runs), Street (.516, four doubles) and Katlin (.500, 14 RBI) are all batting at least .500. Carlson (.455, 15 runs, 14 RBI), senior second baseman Caroline Whiteside (.353, 12 runs) and junior left fielder Ashley Wilson (.345, 15 RBI, three homers) have also added to the offensive onslaught .

“It’s been pretty spread out amongst everyone,” Hernandez said. “It’s not one person dominating at the plate every night. We’ve worked a lot on hitting way more than we have defense. The more runs we score, the more relaxed we can play on defense. That’s been our philosophy this year. … I wouldn’t say it’s a big change, but we’ve decided to focus more on offense this year because we have some big bats.”

Wilson, an Elon University commit, said the players also feed off each other.

“I think all the hard work and extra batting practice has really helped, but for us it’s really just contagious when someone hits,” Wilson said. “When someone gets a hit the next person wants to do the same, and it just keeps going from there.”

Freedom hosts the 7A-9 tournament April 16 to 18, with the championship game April 18 at 7 p.m. The Patriots travel to Steinbrenner March 19 at 7 p.m.

“Steinbrenner is our first game back after spring break, so hopefully spring break doesn’t break our momentum,” Hernandez said. “Steinbrenner has a really good pitcher (Kellee Ramsey), so we’re going to have to have good at bats and put the ball in play.”

*Last year’s stats

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Kyle LoJacono

The Land O’ Lakes girls tennis team has tasted the playoffs the last two seasons, but the Gators aren’t content with maintaining that streak.

The 2013 squad wants more, namely the first district championship in program history.

“We’re working really, really hard this year because we really want to win districts,” said junior Cori Arndt. “We’ve been runner-up the last two years. We really want to win and play our best.”

Land O’ Lakes appears to be a team in transition at first glance. It graduated two players from its top five, including No. 1 Linzi Arndt. The Gators also lost Samantha DelValle, who coached the squad the last three years but resigned to take an assistant principal job at Pasco High.

The change at coach was made easier when Karen Turman was named the squad’s leader.

Turman has coached high school tennis in Central Pasco County for 16 years and started the girls program at Sunlake. Her work schedule at Pine View Elementary prevented her from leading a squad last year, but she assisted the Gators and helped coach Monday practices at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

“I’ve known coach Turman since the third grade because she was my gym coach in elementary school, and I’ve played tennis with her ever since then,” said sophomore Anne Schwartz. “She was definitely the right person for the job.”

Turman did bring in one change.

“When I took over I told them the first day we’re a very good team, but we need to be a great team; that’s our motto,” said Turman, who thanked her principal Judy Cosh for working with her schedule so she can coach the squad. “We need to be a great team by April 2 when our district starts. We worked more on strategy, especially in doubles, because the fundamentals are already there. That’s where you’re going to win your matches.”

The squad also had a new No. 1 in waiting in sophomore Kavya Avancha.

“Last year (Avancha) was a scared little freshman; this year I see none of that,” Turman said. “This year I see an experienced player, and she has no problems. She’s pretty fierce on the court.”

Arndt added, “I have no doubts in Kavya. She is totally ready to be the No. 1.”

Avancha said she’s worked on being more confident coming to the net, especially in doubles play. She’s also tried to take on the leadership role that comes with being a squad’s ace.

“Last year it was a new experience and didn’t expect to be at the top of the lineup,” Avancha said. “Now I feel like I have to lead, and it’s a new experience again. … Linzi had those leadership qualities last year, so I looked to her to learn how to do that.”

The Gators have filled in the remaining two spots in the top five with a pair of freshmen — Deneen Wang and Sophie Pawlak.

“The freshmen are really good this year,” Avancha said. “They’re really talented and adding a lot, and I really think the team is a lot better than last year because of them.”

Wang said she didn’t have high expectations when she tried out.

“I just knew they had a team and wanted to join,” Wang said. “I didn’t know I’d make it, so I am surprised I’m in the top five.”

Pawlak said she joined because Schwartz suggested it to her.

“It was like family the first day,” Pawlak said. “They’re all really amazing players.”

Turman said the freshmen fit right in from Day 1.

“You wouldn’t even know they’re freshmen,” Turman said. “The best part is they’re a team. Everyone gets along very well. It doesn’t matter what grade they’re in. It’s a team unit.”

Junior Joslyn Lafond said they also have belief in everyone.

“We don’t really have any weak players,” Lafond said. “We can interchange our players and feel pretty confident.”

The changes don’t seem to have hurt Land O’ Lakes, which is 9-2 with its only losses coming in 4-3 contests to Central and Springstead.

“I think that we’ve been building up after we got used to the transition,” Schwartz said. “Last year I think we peaked at the right time, and I see the same thing happening now.”

River Ridge hosts the Class 3A-District 6 tournament April 2 to 3. Land O’ Lakes plays at home against River Ridge March 18 at 3 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Kyle LoJacono

Tyler and Zach Lima and Matt Magee have been a part of the Steinbrenner cross country and track programs since the school opened in 2009.

They’ve helped Warriors cross country claim district titles the last three years and a pair of top-five finishes at states.

“It’s been a fast progression, and it’s been really nice because we started it,” said Tyler, Zach’s twin. “To build that tradition and the caliber of the distance program has been one of the things I’m most proud of.”

The trio got an addition last season when Tanner Biles transferred from Freedom, which not only boosted the cross country program, it also created a state contending 4×800-meter relay team in track.

They won district and regional titles and claimed the fourth-year program’s record by completing the relay in 7 minutes, 57 seconds, which was set at the Class 3A state meet.

They runners are all back as seniors this year and have created a set of lofty goals for their final high school season.

“When we got fourth we were saying let’s come back next year and get three spots better on the medal stand,” Zach said. “We love the 4×800 because it lets us compete together. It’s that encouragement because we got fourth in the state.”

Tyler said the feel around the relay is completely different from last year when the four came together for the event.

“Going into last year’s track season we were the chasers,” said Tyler, who also placed seventh in the 3,200 (9:35) last season. “We didn’t have a target on our back, and now everyone is calling coach asking when we’re running our A team in the 4×800. It’s nice to get that credit to know that we’re one of the best teams in the state, but it’s a different kind of pressure because everyone is back. We’re not the underdogs anymore.”

Zach said the performance was a “testament” to a new focus on weightlifting started last track season.

“Our strong belief is strength builds speed, not the other way around,” Zach said. “We still do tempo runs, we still do 10-mile distance runs on Saturdays, and then we hit the weight room every day. We all have weight class with coach (Bob) Ennis, who is also our distance coach. We basically do everything, and we believe that we need to be the strongest team on the track, and that builds our speed.”

Magee said he feels some personal momentum after having what he described as his best cross country season.

“I came in top 11 in the state, so I feel like that was a confidence boost for me,” Magee said. “It made me see that I can stick with pretty much everyone out here, and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”

Biles said the quartet took about two weeks off from running around Thanksgiving, then they’ve been in training for track ever since.

“Right now we’re all at two minutes or less, so we’re a lot faster with a couple weeks before districts” Biles said. “Not a lot of teams have all the guys at two minutes or less, so that’s a good feeling.”

Senior Chris Cerreta is another founding member of Steinbrenner’s distance program. He said part of the Warriors quick success is the bond they’ve formed.

“Our workouts have progressed a lot, and not only that, but the team has become very close because we’ve been together from the beginning,” said Cerreta, who competes in the 3,200. “We’ve been improving as a team and a family. We’re basically together every day.”

Another key was getting Ennis as an assistant during the 2010-11 school year.

“As much as he doesn’t want to admit it, I think he’s been a big part in the progression,” Cerreta said. “Not only does he know all the workouts and what we need to do, but he’s just a great guy to have around. We’re glad to have him.”

Steinbrenner will compete at the Class 3A-District 8 meet at Gaither April 17, followed by regionals at Leto April 24 and states at the University of North Florida May 3.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Kyle LoJacono

Steinbrenner girls track has established itself as one of the most competitive in the region with district titles the last two years and a regional runner-up finish in 2012.

The fourth-year program graduated five seniors who helped bring in 33 of the Warriors’ 41 points at regionals. Among the departures is 2011 Class 2A 100-meter hurdles state champion Alexis Wright.

Ladd Baldwin, who started the program in 2010 after coaching at Gaither and Chamberlain, said they still have a strong core of seniors, but the roster has been boosted by 16 freshmen.

“We’ve had more freshmen come out, but I’m not sure I’ve had this many freshmen come in together with this kind of promise,” Baldwin said. “Sometimes you’ll get 20/25, but only a couple look like they can score in meets. All of these freshmen can score for us this year.”

One of the additions is freshman Lauren Adams, who has risen to the squad’s No. 3 thrower. Several of her teammates also played with her in basketball and convinced her to try track.

“I came out the first day and threw the shot 28 feet, so I decided to stick with it,” Adams said. “I felt like I had the form the first day in the disc for whatever reason. I just grabbed it and threw like 70 feet.”

Adams said senior thrower Jess Weatherman, who also plays basketball, has helped with her form.

“I try to be there for the younger girls as much as I can to help them out,” Weatherman said. “They know if they ever need any help they can come to me.”

Baldwin said it was clear Adams would be a thrower from Day 1, but finding the best spot for his athletes is usually more difficult.

“First you have to get them out here, and then it’s about finding the right event they can have success in,” Baldwin said. “In the smaller dual and tri meets you have the opportunity to try things. Sometimes they take to something completely different than you thought. Alexis wasn’t a hurdler until her sophomore year, and she won a state championship.”

The process was the same with senior Jessica Brewer, who joined the squad as a freshman and tried nearly everything before finding the long and triple jumps.

“Every year besides this one coach would tell me, ‘Jess, you’re going to be a hurdler,’ and every year I’d kick and scream about it,” Brewer said. “He had me test everything. I did the 800, and I’m not a distance runner. He had me pole vault once. … I was a Level 5 state champion gymnast in the vault growing up, which made me comfortable on the runway. I just had to test other things first.”

Brewer reached states last year in the long, and said early results have her excited for her senior season.

“Last year I started off long jumping 14-feet and got to 16-11.5 at states, versus now I started at a 15-06,” Brewer said. “I’m hoping I can go to states again and crack that 17.”

Brewer said not having Wright is like losing a “mentor.”

“It’s kind of weird because I’m the mentor now,” Brewer said. “I missed a meet with a heel injury, and coach Baldwin had me go watch the younger girls to help them. I like being the mentor now, and it’s nice to help others and better myself by teaching others.”

The distance program is led by seniors Lauren Garris and Caroline Murray, who joined the squad as freshmen. Garris is focusing on the 1,600 and the 800. Murray will stick with the 400 while picking up the 800.

“My favorite is the 400, and I’m not totally comfortable with the 800,” Murray said. “It’s a lot different just sprinting one lap versus doubling it. I just have to get used to it.”

Garris, who reached the Class 3A state meet last year in the 4×800 relay, was limited from an appendectomy performed just before the cross country season.

“I feel like it really never happened, but I feel like I haven’t improved from last track season,” Garris said. “I’m still at the same times as I was last year. … During cross country when I’d try and run my stomach would hurt right where the surgery was, and I don’t feel that at all anymore.”

Garris was also a member of the Warriors soccer team, which she credits to helping get her back into form.

“I think being knocked around during soccer helped toughen me back up,” Garris said. “It’s easier to be able to run after you’ve been knocked around.”

Murray said she believes in the squad’s potential despite the youth.

“I have confidence in us because we’re such a diverse team,” Murray said. “We can score in everything. Most schools can’t do that.”

Brewer credits Baldwin with creating that depth.

“Coach Baldwin has been the most amazing coach ever,” Brewer said. “He’s a great mix of happy and understanding, and he’s going to push you. If you say you don’t want to do something, he still has you try. It’s a great environment, and it makes the girls want to stay out here.”

The Class 3A-District 8 meet is at Gaither April 17, followed by regionals at Leto April 24 and states at the University of North Florida May 3.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Kyle LoJacono

Wiregrass Ranch has been one of the area’s most consistent baseball teams the last four years.

The Bulls (9-2, 3-1) have averaged 19 wins with no more than nine losses per season during that span, but a playoff berth has eluded the seventh-year program.

The 2013 squad isn’t hiding its intentions of getting beyond the Class 7A-District 9 tournament.

“In the locker room that’s all we talk about,” said junior shortstop Mike Campoamor, a Furman University commit. “We’re definitely looking to get past districts.”

Fourth-year Wiregrass Ranch coach Jeff Swymer said a playoff berth is a real possibility with the program’s steady growth, but added that nothing comes easy in 7A-9.

The league includes current No. 1 seed Steinbrenner (11-1), defending district champion Gaither (6-6) and Freedom (3-10), which beat the Bulls last year in the 7A-9 semifinals.

“We moved into a tougher district last year, and that really helped our growth to compete with those Hillsborough teams,” Swymer said. “It gave the kids a lot of confidence that we can play with teams that have been around for awhile; teams that are based out of Tampa that are, supposedly, better than Pasco County, and we’ve held our own.”

The squad has jumped out to its traditional strong start despite graduating six seniors from last year. Principle among the departures are outfielder Michael Barrone (.338, 22 runs, 15 RBI*) and No. 1 pitcher Ryan Kopenski (8-3, 1.58 ERA*).

The Bulls have been able to largely replace the offense with a .382 team batting average and .472 on base percentage.

Wiregrass Ranch has six players hitting better than .400, including Campoamor (.533, 12 RBI, 12 runs, seven doubles), junior pitcher/third baseman Zach Drury (.469, 17 RBI), sophomore outfielder/pitcher Austin Drury (.450, 17 runs, nine RBI) and senior center fielder Marcus Guzman (.417, 13 runs, 10 RBI).

“We all knew we could swing it,” Guzman said. “Coach had us very prepared from the fall tournaments, so I thought we could do this.”

Swymer said he’s a bit surprised by the hitting so far.

“We’re hitting better than I thought we would,” Swymer said. “We need a little bit more consistency, but I like where our bats are at.”

Swymer said Austin, Zach’s brother, has added a lot of speed as the leadoff hitter.

“When I started I just wanted to get into the lineup,” Austin said. “I didn’t think I’d be the leadoff hitter from Day 1. … We have really good hitters all over, and that really makes my job easier. I just have to get on, and I know they’re going to hit me in.”

Swymer is still looking for some answers from his pitching staff.

“The biggest challenge is finding the replacement for Ryan,” Swymer said. “We knew Zach could throw hard, but what can he do as a pitcher and with his secondary pitches? He’s done well and progressed. He still relies on his fastball to throw it by guys, but he’s getting better. The big thing is finding that guy behind him. We really don’t have a No. 2. We’ve got guys who have starts, but nobody has been that guy. We’ve had to hit our way to a lot of victories.”

Zach (4-1, 0.27 ERA, 26 innings, 53 strikeouts) said he learned a lot from Kopenski.

“He was a true leader,” Zach said. “He led this whole team. He’s everything you should be as a No. 1 pitcher and team captain. As a pitcher, he showed me if you throw strikes you can get it done. You don’t need an overpowering fastball, but if you do it helps.”

Zach has established himself as the No. 1 by working on his secondary pitches.

“My curveball has gotten much better, and I’m still working on my change-up,” Zach said. “I feel with my curveball now I have two primary pitches.”

Sophomore catcher Alex Goebel (.333) said he’s started to see development in the pitching staff.

“Zach has gained so much more momentum with his fastball, and his curveball looks great,” Goebel said. “I see Ryan (Girard) improving every day, and then Austin is getting more control from the left side. We’re going to need more than one pitcher to get out of districts, so hopefully they keep improving.”

The 7A-9 tournament is at Gaither April 22 to 25, with the title game April 25 at 7 p.m.

Wiregrass Ranch plays at district rivals Gaither April 19 and Steinbrenner April 22. Both games start at 7 p.m.

*Last year’s stats

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Kyle LoJacono

Wesley Chapel senior Courtney Prengaman broke her own program record in the high jump by clearing 5-feet, 8-inches at Sunlake March 12.

The defending Class 2A state champ said setting the new mark was more of a mental boost than a physical one.

“It’s like last year I broke my old record three times in a week, and that was the week of districts,” said Prengaman, a Samford University signee. “I feel like I can break it again and get 5-10 or higher.”

Prengaman cleared 5-8 on her third attempt at Sunlake.

“My form was awful that day,” Prengaman said. “On my last attempt I just said I’ve got to do this, and I did. … I missed once at 5-2; once at 5-4, and I just kind of decided it was go time and got it done.”

Prengaman said she felt like she was getting close to clearing 5-8.

“When we were at Anclote the week before I jumped a 5-8 attempt, and it felt really good,” Prengaman said. “I got myself over, but I hit it with my heel after I was basically over. That let me know I could do it.”

Prengaman and the Wildcats will compete in the Sunshine Athletic Conference meet at Fivay March 21 at noon. The Class 2A-District 9 meet is at Berkeley Prep April 12 at noon.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Jeff Odom

The Wiregrass Ranch boys tennis team has cruised to wins in each of its matches this season, and its home meeting with Land O’ Lakes March 14 was no different.

The host Bulls (14-0) defeated the Gators (5-2) 7-0 to continue their Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) dominance, where they are 69-1 the last five plus seasons. Land O’ Lakes was the last Pasco County team to beat Wiregrass Ranch.

“We’re going through five years and the only team that’s beaten us is Land O’ Lakes, so it meant a little bit more to our players,” said Bulls coach Dave Wilson. “Once we stepped out onto the court, our focus was fantastic today, not giving up the whole way.”

Bulls’ No. 1 Courage Okungbowa led the way in his singles match by toppling sophomore David Dollbaum 6-0, 6-0.

Okungbowa dominated his counterpart with a powerful forehand and took advantage of Dollbaum’s multiple service errors. He allowed the Gators’ No. 1 just five points in 12 games.

“I was just really focused out there,” Okungbowa said. “I played (Dollbaum) last year and it was as successful as last year, so I was feeling pretty confident, and I knew that I had to just stay focused and maintain that focus for the entire match.”

Land O’ Lakes was at a disadvantage before the match began, as No. 2 Chris Mo was not allowed to make the trip because of undisclosed disciplinary reasons, according to third-year coach Jasalyn Gerazounis.

Samvit Iyer was bumped up to face Wiregrass Ranch’s No. 2 Augustin Moreno. The Bulls’ freshman swept Iyer, who said he was nervous about facing such a good team.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m playing their No. 2 or No. 3, they’re all really good,” Iyer said. “Watching these kids play, it’s really amazing to see how good they all are, and it’s definitely a good learning experience.”

Gerazounis said playing an experienced team like Wiregrass Ranch is helpful for her young squad.

“Kids tend to play up when they play better players, and I think this helps them improve their skills when they have someone to watch,” Gerazounis said.

While Wilson is encouraged by his team’s success, he would like to see how it fares against tougher opponents going into districts.

“We’re 14-0 and every match we’ve played has been 7-0, so we’re hoping we’ll have a much, much more difficult match … that will get us ready for districts and regionals and hopefully states,” Wilson said. “There’s no question it’s what we need as a team to do that.”

The Bulls traveled to Jesuit March 18, but results were not available by press time.

By Jeff Odom

The Saint Leo University (SLU) men’s basketball team saw its historic season come to an end in the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament March 17.

Despite senior guard Marcus Ruh’s 27 points, the No. 4 seed Lions (22-9) couldn’t keep up with top-seed Florida Southern College, falling 84-65 at the George Jenkins Field House in Lakeland.

“I’m really proud of these guys, because it’s quite an honor to be in an NCAA Tournament and be invited to it,” said SLU second-year coach Lance Randall.

The Lions’ second straight trip to the big dance was a momentous one as they earned their first tournament win in program history by beating Rollins College 59-53 in first round.

SLU was dominant in the first half against the Tars (19-12), as Ruh (20 points) and fellow guard Jarrell Harris (14 points) took control offensively. Success from 3-point range and at the free throw line — 18-of-23 — also played favorably for the Lions.

SLU’s defense was on the mark as well, holding Rollins out of the paint.

The Tars were able to hang in the contest thanks to Kyle McClanahan (21 points) and trailed 29-21 at the break.

“I thought we should have had a little bigger lead than we had at halftime,” Randall said. “We outplayed them a little more.”

The Lions hit a quick 3-pointer to open the second, but soon found themselves stuck in neutral offensively and were held scoreless for more than five minutes.

To make matters worse, SLU lost Ruh, who went to the bench with cramps in his right leg.

With momentum evaporating, the Lions could only watch as the Tars cut their lead to four with time winding down.

That’s when Ruh returned to help stave off the comeback.

Ruh, running with a limp, managed to hit back-to-back baskets with three minutes left to help put a bow on the victory.

—Follow Jeff Odom on Twitter: @JOdomLaker