As it sits, the 2019-20 athletic season for State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has come to a close early due to the pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). It truly is upsetting for not just for myself and all the coaches and athletes that were playing their sports in the spring, but for the sophomores that worked their tails off to compete, and now it's been tarnished.
This was not only happening to SCF and the junior colleges in the FCSAA, but it is also happening to other junior colleges nationally in the NJCAA (D1, D2 and D3) as well as colleges/universities in the NCAA (D1, D2 and D3), NAIA, California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA), National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) and Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC). In total, over 2,000 junior colleges and universities (2,291 to be exact) had to stop the seasons of their spring sports because of COVID-19. We're talking about over 10 million student-athletes not being able to play their final year(s) of eligibility this year as a result.
I could sense a lot of pain for all the athletes at SCF that are sophomores and are unable to play in the spring because of this pandemic and I understand it sucks, but I guess in a way it is for our own safety.
On a positive note, in a statement by the NJCAA, they indicated that, "no spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation." This will preserve the season of eligibility for beach volleyball, baseball, softball, and tennis.
Now what does it mean for the remaining 24 sophomores for baseball, softball, tennis and beach volleyball? Will they get their final year of eligibility back? Will they be listed as 'redshirt' sophomores? The answer to that is yes they will get their final year of eligibility back as the NJCAA will give back all spring sports their eligibility, but as far as being dubbed as 'redshirts' I'm not sure.
The thing is it will take a good amount of time to put all the pieces together before making final decisions on what should happen, but as it looks at the moment, the 24 combined sophomores will get their one remaining year of eligibility back and do have the option to stay and play for SCF or continue on with their current paths.
But to steer on a positive path of the 2019-20 athletic season, let's look back and talk about some memorable moments that the Manatees have produced for all six sports along with the stories I wrote about them.
SCF Indoor and Beach Volleyball:
Lets begin with indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. Yes, the past five seasons have gone down for the SCF indoor volleyball team and they did finish 5-19 overall with a 2-4 record in the Suncoast this past season. Originally, they were 3-23 overall with an 0-6 record in conference play, but they moved to third place in the Suncoast standings, and the reason why SCF moved from last place to third in the Suncoast was because of St. Pete College. SPC had an ineligible player that played during the season. The old saying is this: "You cheat, you're out."
We even played Florida Southwestern in their inaugural season despite falling to them in both matchups.
The first story I did on the volleyball team was on their season schedule released where I talked about who they were facing and the players to introduce.
One of SCF volleyball's memorable moments came from sophomore Sydney Jaco when she reached 1,000 digs in her career in a win against the Webber International junior varsity team. Jaco ended up finishing 1,230 career digs at the end of her sophomore year and was named a member of the All-Suncoast Second Team and a five-time member of the FCSAA 25 Dig Club. All-in-all, Jaco finished her career as a 21-time FCSAA 25 Dig Club for the Manatees, a one-time All-Suncoast First Team, two-time All-Suncoast All-Academic Team and one-time NJCAA National Player of the Week.
With volleyball, I was even able to do two stories on two of the players, Jaco and freshman Leilani Wilcox-Nanai. Truthfully, they were nervous about having a story on them while I was nervous on starting the interviews with them. In fact, Jaco and Wilcox-Nanai were the first players I did an interview with on the win during Jaco's milestone.
Some of my favorite moments from the 2019 season with SCF indoor volleyball included doing the national anthem for their sophomore night and giving one of the assistant coaches and the players goosebumps despite the loss to Monroe College, but the most memorable was when Jaco, Barbora Tichackova, Lisa Jaunet and Emily Sauceda all came to see me at Maple Street and eat there too, which meant a whole lot to me. (*Link in description)
Now with the addition of beach volleyball, they finished their campaign 3-0 for their inaugural season, even if it was cut short with the majority of the team from the indoor team. I guess in a way, the inaugural season was just a taste of what to expect for next season.
I was so thankful to meet the several newcomers in the freshmen in Wilcox-Nanai as well as the others (Jaunet, Bailey Sikkema, Jazmin Spencer, Brooke Henry, Gracee Carpino, Noelie Claude and Britzy Lucas) and I'm also thankful to meet the returners in Jaco as well as Tichackova, Sauceda, Daviya Bernard and Hannah Strickland). They all made such an impact for SCF volleyball, but I know that where they go, the journey leads them to their success.
SCF Basketball:
I look back to my first story on the SCF basketball team on a preview of the Manatees playing Gordon State College at home. Before I got started on it, I first decided to meet the head coach for SCF, Tom Parks. He seemed like a really good guy. Truthfully, he reminded me of a taller version of Brock Erickson, which actually led to me being a little intimidated by him.
After the game against Gordon State, Parks was the first person I did an interview after the game on the win and at first I was a little nervous, but it worked out well in the end. When the first Suncoast Conference game at home against SPC commenced, I got Parks's comments, of course, but then I also got then sophomore DeAndre Osuigwe and then freshman D'Moi Hodge and their take on the game.
I remember in one of the stories against Hillsborough, Park said a meaningful message on my stories.
"I just want to thank you Pat for doing this because I think it's unbelievable with your passion and the fact that you come and support us every game with your notebook writing stats and how serious you take this. It means a lot to our program and we really appreciate your support and writing about us on your blog. It really means a lot to us."
"1st Herd" finished the 2018-19 season 18-15 overall with a 6-6 Suncoast record. Heading towards the postseason, mainly the Suncoast Conference Tournament, coach Parks considered me as a member of what he dubbed as "1st Herd". I never asked where the idea came into play for that, but I guess the old saying is "Some things are just better left unsaid... for now".
Fast forwarding to this year and it was very memorable. I mean to start it off, we had the debuts of seven players. Truthfully, this season and last season were the best seasons that SCF Basketball has had in a long time as we finished 21-11 overall with a 5-7 record in the Suncoast. The 21 wins were the most we had in program history. We won the Suncoast Conference Tournament and made it to the FCSAA State Tournament for the second straight season before falling in the first round of the state tournament to Tallahassee (TCC).
One of the big moments from the 2019-20 season for SCF basketball team came off the shot of Hodge where he set two scoring records: most points in a single season and most career points. Hodge broke and set both records during the Suncoast Tournament. I even got to travel with the team for the game and cut a piece of the net after the win, even if we had to cut it at Hal Chasey Gymnasium.
From my personal favorite moments with SCF Basketball, I have two special ones that were very heartfelt and meaningful.
The first was being able to travel with the basketball team for the Suncoast Championship was one of them. It truly was the first time I ever got to travel with any team from SCF, thanks to coach Parks pulling a couple of strings to have me join the team on the road and being able to cut a piece of the net after claiming the tournament.
The second one was two days after winning the Suncoast Tournament when I asked the entire basketball team to come to an open house ballroom dance party at Wilson's Dance Sport International for a night of dancing, food and fun in which they said they would. At first I was a little worried if they weren't going to come, but the entire team and student assistant David Peck were true to their words and they all came, participated in the fun group and danced the night away, which made my night. We all even got a photo together and even got a complimentary dance lesson for participating. Honestly, they all did really well on the dance floor (*Link in description).
There are some sad parts from this season. Of course, it was seeing D'Moi Hodge, Isiah Dasher, Chris Scarborough, Remy Robert II and Max Bell-Ramos having to end their careers and parting ways from SCF, but it was also sad that I will not being able to see the debut of Jean-Pierre "JP" Frederick at SCF because of a series of issues while trying to transfer from another college in Saint Lucia (his native country) that had no sports whatsoever. As a result, he has to transfer to a four-year college. It really is sad because I was really looking forward to seeing him play this season at SCF, but regardless, I know he'll do phenomenal at the higher and I'll support him no matter which school he goes to.
2nd Herd has ended for 2019-20, but 3rd Herd will be in session with Marshall Kearing, Sam Grayson, Jordan Clark, Michael Gavin and Calvin McCutcheon returning to the team for their sophomore campaigns as well as the debuts of walk-on players Rae Miller and Christian Nieto, who redshirted last season. I also look forward to seeing the debuts of Kwo Agwa, Michael Hatcher, DK Kelly, Javon Bell, Keenan Willie, Joe Stubbs and Luke Lecroy when they arrive to SCF for their true freshmen years.
SCF Tennis:
Although this year for SCF tennis wasn't as promising as the 2018-19 season, they all worked hard on the court despite going 2-7 overall with an 0-5 record in conference.
I was able to meet the newcomers which included Karla Menendez and Martina Shakhnazarova, and got to see the returners that included Sara Ramirez-Goncalves, Brie Botsford and Mackenzie Vraspir. In fact, I wrote feature stories on Ramirez-Goncalves and Botsford.
I'm remembering the first story I wrote on the SCF tennis team was on their season home opener against Southeastern University (NAIA) for the 2018-19 where they won 8-1. There were the debuts of Ramirez-Goncalves, Botsford and Zeba Jamal. Vrsapir and Alexis Booker didn't play that year as they redshirted. During that season, I didn't have my first postgame interview with coach Chloe Murphy until after the matchup against Broward and didn't interview a player until their shutout win over St. Catherine (NCAA DIII) when I interviewed Ramirez-Goncalves. Arguably, Ramirez-Goncalves was the only player I did a postgame interview with from both seasons.
The 2018-19 season was a big one for the tennis team. They went to nationals for the first time in two seasons and they finished first tied for fifth place out of 32 teams with Ramirez-Goncalves reaching the semifinals in her flight and Jamal and fellow alum Camile 'Cami' Portalier winning the consolation doubles championship.
This season was a lot different and it's going to be different without Ramirez-Goncalves and Botsford on the squad next season since they were the only two true sophomores on the squad (unless they decide to stay), but it's always going to be like that for any sport.
SCF Softball:
So let's start with the obvious, softball was on a rough patch this season going 1-3 in the JUCO Kickoff Classic to start it off before sweeping Santa Fe to go to even before going on a six-game winning streak with victories over Lake Sumter, ASA Miami (home opener) and Palm Beach State. They then went on a seven-game winning streak and won six out of eight games from their eight-game homestead before sweeping Lincoln Land CC to close off the season at 20-12. The softball team was unable to start Suncoast Conference play due to the coronavirus.
The main part of writing about the 2020 season for SCF Softball was based on head coach Mandy Schuerman as she was aiming for her 200th career win as head coach for the softball team. With softball, the 200th win I think was going to be one of my best stories, but I'm planning on doing a feature story on coach Schuerman about her time as head coach for SCF softball and her milestones with SCF softball as well as leading to her 200th career win as head coach.
So far from the sophomore class (Madelyn Graham, Makayla Benavidez, Ashlee Zientek and Madi LoCastro), Graham (Warner: NAIA) and Zientek (Ursuline: NCAA DII) are deciding to continue to their softball careers at the university level.
Softball was the first sport I watched at SCF when then head coach Meredith Michaels (nee Headings) was leading the team to the 2012 NJCAA College Softball World Series as one of two members from the FCSAA.
SCF Baseball:
Let's start it off with my first story on the SCF baseball team on their win over Broward College winning by a score of 10-1 (2/8/19). I didn't get my first interview with coach Tim Hill II until the game against Hillsborough (3/29/19). Then we made it to the state tournament where we went to the state tournament before being the sixth team to be eliminated.
When the 2020 season went underway, the first story I did for SCF baseball was the opening day game against FSW in a non-conference matchup at CoolToday Park in Venice (the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves). Some would assume that it was home field advantage for SCF because the stadium was closer to SCF, however it was deemed as neutral grounds because it took place neither at SCF nor FSW even it was closer to SCF.
When we had the home opener, I got coach Hill, of course, but this season I got to interview my first two players from the baseball team in transfer AJ Fritz and freshman Clay Callahan. Fritz transferred from Evansville and was one of 11 transfers to join SCF.
Truthfully, the main player I interviewed the most was actually Cameron Lee when he hit his first collegiate home run and his first collegiate grand slam.
I'm remembering one of the funniest parts of the 2020 baseball season was when I was at the home game against PHSC, Fritz's parents, Steve and Amy, were in attendance and all of a sudden, I hear Amy asked if I was the one writing all the stories and at first I was a little hesitant because I thought someone was stalking me (joking), but as I introduced myself, she said that she loved my stories and that was so amazing to meet the parents that read, like and retweet my stories and say many positive things about them.
In the end, the Manatees finished the season 16-11 overall with a 5-1 record in the Suncoast and were in first place in conference. I guess in a sense after finishing the sweep with Polk State, we were going to most likely win the Suncoast Conference Regular Season Championship, even if this year happens to be unofficial.
Thanks and Final Thoughts:
To close this post off, I wanted to give my final thoughts and many thanks to the SCF Athletic Department.
The 2019-20 school was actually a pretty good year for SCF athletics and it was quite an adventure despite the early ending. I got to be around so many great athletes that are going to be making names for themselves. On a positive note for the spring sports, the baseball, softball, tennis and beach volleyball players have an opportunity to return for a renewed season should they decide to take the opportunity.
One question that always comes to mind is "Why do I continue writing about a junior college if I don't get paid for it?" I feel the question is a two-way path. On one side, I do it because I love writing about my alma mater. On the other side, I do it to hopefully gain some experience around journalism, which I do every single time I write a story. All-in-all, whether I get paid for it or not, it does not matter to me because I enjoy it.
Sure I still hope that Dr. Carol Probstfeld, the SCF president, creates a position for a sports communication director or something like that, and that is still in the air of discussion for the near future. Until then, all I can do is wait on it and continue doing what I like to do.
Thank you to Matt Ennis and Ms. Loretta Demonte, the SCF athletic director and assistant athletic director, for getting me access to do feature stories, cover the games and getting postgame interviews afterwards for the athletic events, even if I have to write about the losses. I have known Matt for almost 10 years and Ms. Loretta for five and they have done wonderful things for the SCF athletic department. Although it sometimes becomes a habit from time-to-time when I call Matt 'Mr. Ennis', even though I'm not a student there anymore. It's still a good laugh nevertheless.
I want to thank head coach Parks and assistant coaches Rob Beckmann, Nav Gil, Lem Andrews, Ace Whitaker and David Peck for all they did to keep the SCF basketball team on their toes and for the being the first SCF team I did stories on.
Thank you to coach Schuerman and coach Hill for letting me cover their games, even if the seasons were cut short and Suncoast Conference did not commence for softball. I've known Hill since spring 2013 and Schuerman since fall 2014 and they have done wonders for the baseball and softball programs and I hope they keep doing wonders for the teams.
Thank you to a fellow alum in coach Murphy and coach Burnett for helping with the boxscores for the tennis and indoor/beach volleyball matches when I needed them for my recaps. It was incredibly helpful for me even though the matches that were on the road or on neutral grounds.
Thank you to Amy Beckmann for helping get some photos at the basketball games.
Finally, thank you to all the athletes who participated in my feature stories for postgame interviews and took the time to read, like and retweet all the stories when I post them on Twitter as well as the parents that were able to be in attendance and read my stories.
To think, this whole blog started as a school assignment at FGCU and then I chose to expand it from there spring 2017. Come to think of it, doing stories for SCF is quite an amazing adventure because I learn a lot from all the athletes and their backgrounds.
I definitely look forward to seeing the 2020-21 athletic season for SCF and will look forward to writing up more feature stories, schedule releases, previews and recaps.
First Story Links:
SCF VB: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2019/07/scf-vb-opens-season-santa-fe.html
SCF Basketball: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2018/12/scf-basketball-preview.html
SCF Tennis: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/search/label/SCF%20Tennis?updated-max=2019-03-13T11:31:00-04:00&max-results=20&start=20&by-date=false
SCF Softball: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2019/01/scf-softball-juco-kickoff-classic.html
SCF Baseball: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2019/02/scf-baseball-vs-broward-recap.html
SCF BVB: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2020/02/scf-bvb-sets-for-first-road-tri-match.html
Feature Story Links:
Sara Ramirez-Goncalves: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2019/12/srq-scf-win.html
Brie Botsford: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2019/12/for-scf-tennis-team-each-player-has.html
Leilani Wilcox-Nanai: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2019/10/leilanis-volleyball-journey.html
Sydney Jaco: https://thefgcudirtybird.blogspot.com/2019/10/jacos-legacy.html
Other Social Media Posts:
*SCF Basketball: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2972192216138294&set=a.328054693885406&type=3&theater
*SCF Volleyball: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2619958888028297&set=pb.100000426339316.-2207520000..&type=3&theater
About Me
Showing posts with label SCF Softball 2020. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SCF Softball 2020. Show all posts
Kopp Leads SCF to Double Walk-Off Sweep
Freshman Kristin Kopp's powerful bat helped the SCF softball team (20-12) wrap up non-conference play Wednesday as they swept Lincoln Land Community College (3-5) in walk-off fashion by scores of 5-4 and 8-7 in their first ever matchup. Both games ended in the eighth inning.
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while LLCC head coach Rachel Wisner sent sophomore Jacey Nall to counter.
The Loggers would be the first to score at the top of the first after sophomore Abigail Walters scored when classmate Brooke Webber reached on an error, but the Manatees would answer back in the bottom half, thanks to a three run shot by Kopp brought in classmates Lauren Lightbody and Lauren Hutcherson to make it 3-1 SCF. It was Kopp's second home run of the season.
Two innings later, the Manatees would extend their lead to 4-1 after freshman Maddie Koczersut sent Lightbody home with a single.
At the top of the sixth, the Loggers would soon tie the game at 4-4 after a two-RBI double by freshman Katie Schaake and two RBI singles by Walters and freshman Kayla Settles. This signaled the end for LoCastro as Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound to close the sixth inning in success.
After both teams failed to score in the seventh, the game went into extra innings with freshman Makenna Byers placed at second per the International Tiebreaker rule. Despite that, Hulme was able to breeze through the inning with two strikeouts, giving the Manatees an opportunity to go for the win.
With sophomore Makayla Benavidez placed on second to pinch run for classmate Madelyn Graham, who was the last out in the bottom of the seventh, LoCastro would send Benavidez to third with a sacrifice bunt before freshman Emily Hughes sent Benavidez home with a sacrifice fly to left for the win.
LoCastro and Nall would each earn a no-decision. LoCastro gave up all four runs (three earned) on 10 hits with one walk in five and a third innings, while Nall gave up three runs on three hits with four walks in two innings. LoCastro was also 1-for-3 in the game.
Hulme would earn her seventh win of the season after throwing two and two-thirds innings of relief with six strikeouts. Hulme is now 7-4 on the year.
Schaake would be dubbed with the loss after giving up two runs on five hits in five and two-thirds innings of relief. She was also 3-for-4 with one RBI.
Sophomore Courtney Keller also had a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-3 with a run.
Lightbody and Hutcherson each were 2-for-4 with a run scored. Kopp finished game one 1-for-3 with the home run and three RBI, while freshman Lilly Salazar had the Manatees' final hit as she finished 1-for-3.
Aside from Schaake and Keller, Walters also had a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Game Two:
Schuerman sent Hulme to the mound to start game two, while Wisner sent sophomore Megan Behl.
In a turn of events, the Loggers would be the first on the board in the first two innings after an RBI single by Settles in the first inning and an RBI single by freshman Rebecca Littrel and two-RBI triple by sophomore Shaye Virgin in the second made it 4-0 LLCC.
After the Loggers added one more at the top of the fourth after a Virgin RBI single, Schuerman pulled Hulme and sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound for relief in success.
After a scoreless fifth, the Loggers would have freshman Braylee Finck went to the mound before the Manatees would finally get on the board in the bottom of the sixth beginning with a two-out walk drawn by Hampton before Hughes doubled to left to send Hampton home. After freshman Carly Bogart hit a single to left, classmate Madi Schaefer sent Hughes home with a double to center to make it 5-2 still in favor of LLCC.
At the top of the seventh, the Loggers would add two more runs after Virgin scored on a fielding error off of a fly ball by Settles before freshman Mackenzie Owens sent Settles home with a single.
In the bottom of the seventh, it was now or never for the Manatees as they went all in to at least tie the game. After the Manatees loaded the bases from a leadoff single by Koczersut and back-to-back walks by Lightbody and Hutcherson. Kopp would show her power once again, like in the first game, as she towered a grand slam to right to make it 7-6, still in favor of LLCC. It was Kopp's third home run of the season and her second of the series. The Loggers would then put Schaake in the game to pitch.
Hampton would then draw a walk before Hughes and Bogart hit back-to-back singles to load the bases for Schaefer. On a full count, Schaefer was able to draw a walk and tie the game at 7-7 before going into extra innings with the Texas Tiebreaker in effect once again.
Even with sophomore Mackenzie Wagner placed on the second after being the last batter out, Hampton had no trouble breezing through to give the Manatees their opportunity. Lightbody would be the one to seal the deal as the Tampa native who moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Hutcherson before scoring the game-winner on a passed ball for the win.
Hulme and Behl were both dubbed with no decisions. Hulme gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits with two walks and three strikeouts in three and two-thirds, while Behl threw five scoreless innings with two walks.
Hampton would earn the win after giving up two unearned runs on two hits with four strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings of relief. She is now 4-3 on the year.
Schaake would be dubbed with her second straight loss after giving up one run on two hits with two walks in one and a third.
Hughes would lead the Manatees in the hit column as she finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen and 3-for-7 overall with two RBI.
Bogart (2-for-3, one walk) and Koczersut (2-for-5, one run scored) each had two hits. Koczersut would finish the series 3-for-7 with an RBI and two runs.
Kopp would finish 1-for-4 with the grand slam and 2-for-7 in the series with two home runs and seven RBI.
Schaefer and Salazar would have the team's final two hits. Schaefer (1-for-2) added two RBI and a walk.
Littrel led the Loggers in batting as she went 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Virgin was 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs. Virgin was the only Logger with a multi-RBI game.
Notes:
The two wins for Schuerman put her at 198 in her career and needs two to reach 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees.
Up Next:
With non-conference set aside, the Manatees can now focus on conference play as they travel to Clearwater to take on St. Pete (21-11) Tuesday afternoon, March 17 at 4 and 6 pm.
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while LLCC head coach Rachel Wisner sent sophomore Jacey Nall to counter.
The Loggers would be the first to score at the top of the first after sophomore Abigail Walters scored when classmate Brooke Webber reached on an error, but the Manatees would answer back in the bottom half, thanks to a three run shot by Kopp brought in classmates Lauren Lightbody and Lauren Hutcherson to make it 3-1 SCF. It was Kopp's second home run of the season.
Two innings later, the Manatees would extend their lead to 4-1 after freshman Maddie Koczersut sent Lightbody home with a single.
At the top of the sixth, the Loggers would soon tie the game at 4-4 after a two-RBI double by freshman Katie Schaake and two RBI singles by Walters and freshman Kayla Settles. This signaled the end for LoCastro as Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound to close the sixth inning in success.
After both teams failed to score in the seventh, the game went into extra innings with freshman Makenna Byers placed at second per the International Tiebreaker rule. Despite that, Hulme was able to breeze through the inning with two strikeouts, giving the Manatees an opportunity to go for the win.
With sophomore Makayla Benavidez placed on second to pinch run for classmate Madelyn Graham, who was the last out in the bottom of the seventh, LoCastro would send Benavidez to third with a sacrifice bunt before freshman Emily Hughes sent Benavidez home with a sacrifice fly to left for the win.
LoCastro and Nall would each earn a no-decision. LoCastro gave up all four runs (three earned) on 10 hits with one walk in five and a third innings, while Nall gave up three runs on three hits with four walks in two innings. LoCastro was also 1-for-3 in the game.
Hulme would earn her seventh win of the season after throwing two and two-thirds innings of relief with six strikeouts. Hulme is now 7-4 on the year.
Schaake would be dubbed with the loss after giving up two runs on five hits in five and two-thirds innings of relief. She was also 3-for-4 with one RBI.
Sophomore Courtney Keller also had a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-3 with a run.
Lightbody and Hutcherson each were 2-for-4 with a run scored. Kopp finished game one 1-for-3 with the home run and three RBI, while freshman Lilly Salazar had the Manatees' final hit as she finished 1-for-3.
Aside from Schaake and Keller, Walters also had a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Game Two:
Schuerman sent Hulme to the mound to start game two, while Wisner sent sophomore Megan Behl.
In a turn of events, the Loggers would be the first on the board in the first two innings after an RBI single by Settles in the first inning and an RBI single by freshman Rebecca Littrel and two-RBI triple by sophomore Shaye Virgin in the second made it 4-0 LLCC.
After the Loggers added one more at the top of the fourth after a Virgin RBI single, Schuerman pulled Hulme and sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound for relief in success.
After a scoreless fifth, the Loggers would have freshman Braylee Finck went to the mound before the Manatees would finally get on the board in the bottom of the sixth beginning with a two-out walk drawn by Hampton before Hughes doubled to left to send Hampton home. After freshman Carly Bogart hit a single to left, classmate Madi Schaefer sent Hughes home with a double to center to make it 5-2 still in favor of LLCC.
At the top of the seventh, the Loggers would add two more runs after Virgin scored on a fielding error off of a fly ball by Settles before freshman Mackenzie Owens sent Settles home with a single.
In the bottom of the seventh, it was now or never for the Manatees as they went all in to at least tie the game. After the Manatees loaded the bases from a leadoff single by Koczersut and back-to-back walks by Lightbody and Hutcherson. Kopp would show her power once again, like in the first game, as she towered a grand slam to right to make it 7-6, still in favor of LLCC. It was Kopp's third home run of the season and her second of the series. The Loggers would then put Schaake in the game to pitch.
Hampton would then draw a walk before Hughes and Bogart hit back-to-back singles to load the bases for Schaefer. On a full count, Schaefer was able to draw a walk and tie the game at 7-7 before going into extra innings with the Texas Tiebreaker in effect once again.
Even with sophomore Mackenzie Wagner placed on the second after being the last batter out, Hampton had no trouble breezing through to give the Manatees their opportunity. Lightbody would be the one to seal the deal as the Tampa native who moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Hutcherson before scoring the game-winner on a passed ball for the win.
Hulme and Behl were both dubbed with no decisions. Hulme gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits with two walks and three strikeouts in three and two-thirds, while Behl threw five scoreless innings with two walks.
Hampton would earn the win after giving up two unearned runs on two hits with four strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings of relief. She is now 4-3 on the year.
Schaake would be dubbed with her second straight loss after giving up one run on two hits with two walks in one and a third.
Hughes would lead the Manatees in the hit column as she finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen and 3-for-7 overall with two RBI.
Bogart (2-for-3, one walk) and Koczersut (2-for-5, one run scored) each had two hits. Koczersut would finish the series 3-for-7 with an RBI and two runs.
Kopp would finish 1-for-4 with the grand slam and 2-for-7 in the series with two home runs and seven RBI.
Schaefer and Salazar would have the team's final two hits. Schaefer (1-for-2) added two RBI and a walk.
Littrel led the Loggers in batting as she went 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Virgin was 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs. Virgin was the only Logger with a multi-RBI game.
Notes:
The two wins for Schuerman put her at 198 in her career and needs two to reach 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees.
Up Next:
With non-conference set aside, the Manatees can now focus on conference play as they travel to Clearwater to take on St. Pete (21-11) Tuesday afternoon, March 17 at 4 and 6 pm.
SCF Softball Welcomes Final Great Lakes Team
The SCF softball team (18-12) return home for one final home series before Suncoast Conference play as they welcome Lincoln Land CC (3-3) to the SCF Softball Complex Wednesday night, March 11 at 4 and 6 pm. This will be the first ever matchup for both teams.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees came off of being swept by Seminole State losing by scores of 2-0 and 6-4 on the road. Seminole State was listed as #10 in the NJCAA National Poll.
Six players have at least 10 RBI in their regime: sophomore Madi LoCastro (13) and freshmen Samantha Hampton (10), Emily Hughes (13), Kristin Kopp (15), Lauren Hutcherson (17) and Maddie Koczersut (22). Hutcherson leads the team with a .382 batting average, while Koczersut leads the team with four home runs and 16 walks.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue their dominance in speed. Lightbody is batting .379 with a team-leading 33 hits and 12 stolen bases, while Salazar is batting .313 with 26 hits and 11 stolen bases.
Meanwhile, sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 4-3 with a 2.75 ERA and 53 strikeouts. Zientek pitched in game two of the series against Seminole State, throwing five innings of relief with two strikeouts.
Freshman Ally Hulme is 6-4 with a 3.73 ERA and 36 strikeouts despite giving up three runs in one inning in game two against Seminole State.
As far as coaching, head coach Mandy Schuerman is only four wins away from reaching 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees.
Upcoming Feature Story:
So far on my part, I have done four feature stories for the SCF athletics and for the next upcoming feature story, I have chosen to do one on the quartet of a reunion. This one will tell the story LoCastro, Hughes, Koczersut and Madi Schaefer as I will talk with them about their combined story of them playing in high school (Lakewood Ranch) to reuniting and playing in college together at SCF.
Scouting Lincoln Land:
Lincoln Land Community College hails from Springfield, Illinois and represent NJCAA DII Region 24 (Mid-West Athletic Conference). They are known as the Loggers and are led by Rachel Wisner. Wisner, a alum of the college, enters her first season as head coach after spending the last season as assistant coach under the wing of John Marsaglia, who retired after 10 seasons with the Loggers.
The Loggers opened their season with a doubleheader against NJCAA Region 16 St. Charles CC winning by scores of 4-3 and 8-2 in Missouri. The Loggers flew to Florida, assumingly Friday, and opened their trip against Lake Sumter Sunday where they split with the Lakehawks winning game one 4-0 before losing game two 8-1 before being swept by #10 Seminole State College of Florida Monday afternoon, March 9 losing by scores of 12-1 and 10-2 both via mercy rule.
Sophomore Jacey Nall finished last season 10-9 last season with a 4.65 ERA and 80 strikeouts. Currently, Nall is 2-0 with 11 strikeouts. In her last start, Nall threw five scoreless innings against LSSC with five strikeouts.
At the plate, freshman Rebecca Littrel is batting .625 with 10 hits and three RBI. Against LSSC, she went 5-for-8 with one RBI and two stolen bases.
SCF Fun Fact:
Since 2012, the SCF softball team is currently 45-7 against JUCOs that are not from Florida.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats are provided by GameChanger and fans can keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
LLCC: @Loggersoftball
Livestats: https://gc.com/t/spring-2019/state-college-of-florida-softball-5c4617fc03d69700218c16d3
Last Time Out:
The Manatees came off of being swept by Seminole State losing by scores of 2-0 and 6-4 on the road. Seminole State was listed as #10 in the NJCAA National Poll.
Six players have at least 10 RBI in their regime: sophomore Madi LoCastro (13) and freshmen Samantha Hampton (10), Emily Hughes (13), Kristin Kopp (15), Lauren Hutcherson (17) and Maddie Koczersut (22). Hutcherson leads the team with a .382 batting average, while Koczersut leads the team with four home runs and 16 walks.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue their dominance in speed. Lightbody is batting .379 with a team-leading 33 hits and 12 stolen bases, while Salazar is batting .313 with 26 hits and 11 stolen bases.
Meanwhile, sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 4-3 with a 2.75 ERA and 53 strikeouts. Zientek pitched in game two of the series against Seminole State, throwing five innings of relief with two strikeouts.
Freshman Ally Hulme is 6-4 with a 3.73 ERA and 36 strikeouts despite giving up three runs in one inning in game two against Seminole State.
As far as coaching, head coach Mandy Schuerman is only four wins away from reaching 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees.
Upcoming Feature Story:
So far on my part, I have done four feature stories for the SCF athletics and for the next upcoming feature story, I have chosen to do one on the quartet of a reunion. This one will tell the story LoCastro, Hughes, Koczersut and Madi Schaefer as I will talk with them about their combined story of them playing in high school (Lakewood Ranch) to reuniting and playing in college together at SCF.
Scouting Lincoln Land:
Lincoln Land Community College hails from Springfield, Illinois and represent NJCAA DII Region 24 (Mid-West Athletic Conference). They are known as the Loggers and are led by Rachel Wisner. Wisner, a alum of the college, enters her first season as head coach after spending the last season as assistant coach under the wing of John Marsaglia, who retired after 10 seasons with the Loggers.
The Loggers opened their season with a doubleheader against NJCAA Region 16 St. Charles CC winning by scores of 4-3 and 8-2 in Missouri. The Loggers flew to Florida, assumingly Friday, and opened their trip against Lake Sumter Sunday where they split with the Lakehawks winning game one 4-0 before losing game two 8-1 before being swept by #10 Seminole State College of Florida Monday afternoon, March 9 losing by scores of 12-1 and 10-2 both via mercy rule.
Sophomore Jacey Nall finished last season 10-9 last season with a 4.65 ERA and 80 strikeouts. Currently, Nall is 2-0 with 11 strikeouts. In her last start, Nall threw five scoreless innings against LSSC with five strikeouts.
At the plate, freshman Rebecca Littrel is batting .625 with 10 hits and three RBI. Against LSSC, she went 5-for-8 with one RBI and two stolen bases.
SCF Fun Fact:
Since 2012, the SCF softball team is currently 45-7 against JUCOs that are not from Florida.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats are provided by GameChanger and fans can keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
LLCC: @Loggersoftball
Livestats: https://gc.com/t/spring-2019/state-college-of-florida-softball-5c4617fc03d69700218c16d3
SCF Softball Falls in Doubleheader
The SCF softball team (18-12) fell in a doubleheader to #10 Seminole State (26-1, 4-1 Southern) by score of 2-0 and 6-4. With the losses, the Manatees are now 7-15 against the Raiders.
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound while Seminole head coach Courtney Miller sent Marissa Adame to counter.
The Raiders would get their two runs in the bottom of the first after an RBI single by freshman Liz Cutlip and classmate Logan Keith scoring on a field error. The Manatees were able to produce any run support.
LoCastro would be hit with the loss after giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits with one strikeout in six innings. LoCastro is now 4-3 on the year.
Adame would end up with her 10th win of the season after a shutout with one walk and six strikeouts.
Freshmen Maddie Koczersut, Emily Hughes and Kristin Kopp had the Manatees lone three hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Miller sent sophomore Samantha Guider to counter.
The Manatees would get on the board first at the top of the first after freshman Lauren Hutcherson popped a fly ball to first to reach on a fielding error before Koczersut scored, but the Raiders would answer back in the bottom of the second after RBI singles by sophomores Kelly Dwyer and Amy Lee and freshman Haley Pippin. This signaled the end for Hulme as sophomore Ashlee Zientek would come in to finish the inning.
The Raiders would add two more runs in the bottom of the third to make it 5-1 after two run blast by Dwyer. It was her first home run of the season.
At the top of the sixth, the Manatees brought in their second run after LoCastro grounded out to bring in freshman Lauren Lightbody, but the Raiders would add one of their own after an RBI double by sophomore Allie Carroll to make it 6-2 Seminole State.
The Manatees would take one final crack at the top of the seventh. After one out singles by sophomore Makayla Benavidez, Koczersut and Hughes to load the bases, Lightbody would send a double to right to bring in Benavidez and Koczersut, but it was they could produce in the loss.
Hulme would be dubbed with her fourth loss after giving up three run on six hits with one walk in one innings. Hulme is now 6-4 on the year.
Zientek gave up three runs on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts in five innings of relief.
Guider would get her sixth win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up four runs (two earned) on eight hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Guider is now 6-1 on the year.
Benavidez would have the Manatees only multi-hit game as she went 2-for-3 with a run.
Lightbody finished 1-for-4 with two RBI and a stolen base. She was the only Manatee with a multi-RBI game.
Koczersut, Hughes, Hutcherson, Kopp and freshman Lilly Salazar had the teams remaining five hits.
Up Next:
The Manatees return to the SCF Softball Complex as they welcome Lincoln Land CC (2-0) Wednesday night, March 11 at 4 and 6 pm.
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound while Seminole head coach Courtney Miller sent Marissa Adame to counter.
The Raiders would get their two runs in the bottom of the first after an RBI single by freshman Liz Cutlip and classmate Logan Keith scoring on a field error. The Manatees were able to produce any run support.
LoCastro would be hit with the loss after giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits with one strikeout in six innings. LoCastro is now 4-3 on the year.
Adame would end up with her 10th win of the season after a shutout with one walk and six strikeouts.
Freshmen Maddie Koczersut, Emily Hughes and Kristin Kopp had the Manatees lone three hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Miller sent sophomore Samantha Guider to counter.
The Manatees would get on the board first at the top of the first after freshman Lauren Hutcherson popped a fly ball to first to reach on a fielding error before Koczersut scored, but the Raiders would answer back in the bottom of the second after RBI singles by sophomores Kelly Dwyer and Amy Lee and freshman Haley Pippin. This signaled the end for Hulme as sophomore Ashlee Zientek would come in to finish the inning.
The Raiders would add two more runs in the bottom of the third to make it 5-1 after two run blast by Dwyer. It was her first home run of the season.
At the top of the sixth, the Manatees brought in their second run after LoCastro grounded out to bring in freshman Lauren Lightbody, but the Raiders would add one of their own after an RBI double by sophomore Allie Carroll to make it 6-2 Seminole State.
The Manatees would take one final crack at the top of the seventh. After one out singles by sophomore Makayla Benavidez, Koczersut and Hughes to load the bases, Lightbody would send a double to right to bring in Benavidez and Koczersut, but it was they could produce in the loss.
Hulme would be dubbed with her fourth loss after giving up three run on six hits with one walk in one innings. Hulme is now 6-4 on the year.
Zientek gave up three runs on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts in five innings of relief.
Guider would get her sixth win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up four runs (two earned) on eight hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Guider is now 6-1 on the year.
Benavidez would have the Manatees only multi-hit game as she went 2-for-3 with a run.
Lightbody finished 1-for-4 with two RBI and a stolen base. She was the only Manatee with a multi-RBI game.
Koczersut, Hughes, Hutcherson, Kopp and freshman Lilly Salazar had the teams remaining five hits.
Up Next:
The Manatees return to the SCF Softball Complex as they welcome Lincoln Land CC (2-0) Wednesday night, March 11 at 4 and 6 pm.
SCF Softball Rematches with Seminole State
The SCF softball team (18-10) return on the road as they travel to Sanford to take on #10 Seminole State College of Florida (22-1) at the Raider Softball Field Saturday afternoon, March 7 at noon and 2 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of wrapping up their eight-game homestead with a split against Eastern Florida State losing game one 7-4 before winning game two 11-8.
Schuerman to 200:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman remains in tact to reach 200 career wins with the Manatees as she needs only four to do so.
Schuerman joined SCF fall 2014 with her first win as head coach being on January 30, 2015 against Illinois Central (7-0). This would then follow with her 100th win being on January 27, 2018 against Lake Sumter (8-5) before claiming her 150th career win March 2, 2019 against Central Florida (6-0).
The Squad:
At the plate, six players have at least 10 RBI. Freshmen Maddie Koczersut leads the squad batting .371 with four home runs and 22 RBI, while also leading the team with 15 walks. Koczersut was 2-for-3 in the second game against EFSC with an RBI and a walk.
Another player that actually showed some power recently is classmate Emily Hughes. Despite batting .223, Hughes has three home runs and 15 RBI. Hughes was 2-for-7 against EFSC with two RBI and a walk.
As far as speed, freshmen Lilly Salazar and Lauren Lightbody lead the way. Salazar is batting .301 with five RBI, while Lightbody is batting .379 with seven RBI. Both have 11 stolen bases each.
On the mound, it's the trio of sophomore Ashlee Zientek and Madi LoCastro and freshman Ally Hulme that take the path.
Zientek is currently 4-3 with a 2.61 ERA, two saves and 51 strikeouts, while at the plate she is batting .366 with seven RBI. In her last appearance, Zientek pitched a complete game against EFSC, giving up eight runs striking out eight, while going 1-for-8 with a run scored.
Predominately as a hybrid player, LoCastro is currently 4-2 with a 2.71 ERA and 31 strikeouts while batting .222 with a home run and 12 RBI. LoCastro pitched in game one against EFSC where she had a no-decision after throwing six innings with two strikeouts.
Hulme is 6-3 with a 3.30 ERA and 36 strikeouts despite getting her third loss against EFSC after throwing four innings of relief with three strikeouts.
Freshman Samantha Hampton and Kristin Kopp have also made their way around joining LoCastro as a couple of hybrid players.
Hampton is currently 3-2 on the mound with a 5.25 ERA and 13 strikeouts, but is batting .231 with 10 RBI. Hampton was 1-for-2 with two RBI against EFSC. In her last appearance on the mound against Kalamazoo Valley, Hampton gave up two runs and struck out three batters in 3.2 innings.
Kopp is batting .262 with a home run and 15 RBI. She has made one appearance on the mound against Oakland where she threw two innings and struck out three batters for her first win.
Starsky and Hutch:
Freshman Lauren Hutcherson had one of her best series games this season as she went a combined 5-for-7 with a home run and seven RBI against Eastern Florida. Currently, Hutcherson is batting .417 with a home run and 17 RBI. In fact, the home run in the first game against Eastern Florida was her first collegiate home run of the season.
Scouting Seminole State:
The Raiders, who are ranked #10 in the nation, are coming off of a sweep over Polk State winning by scores of 12-4 and 11-0 (5).
Freshman Logan Keith leads the team overall offensively batting .472 with 34 hits, three home runs, 21 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Classmate Liz Cutlip is batting .478 with 32 hits, a home run and a team-leading 28 RBI.
Sophomores Marissa Adame and Samantha Guider lead the way for the Raiders on the mound. Adame is 9-0 with a 1.32 ERA, two saves and 42 strikeouts, while Guider is 5-1 with 1.78 ERA and 46 strikeouts. Guider has the Raiders only loss so far this season.
Series History:
The Manatees played the Raiders on day two of the JUCO Kickoff Showcase (2/1) losing by a score of 7-1. Overall the Manatees are 7-13 against the Raiders with their last win being on Feb 3, 2018 where they won 4-2 as part of the split.
Livestats Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
Twitter:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
Seminole: @SeminoleStateSB
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of wrapping up their eight-game homestead with a split against Eastern Florida State losing game one 7-4 before winning game two 11-8.
Schuerman to 200:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman remains in tact to reach 200 career wins with the Manatees as she needs only four to do so.
Schuerman joined SCF fall 2014 with her first win as head coach being on January 30, 2015 against Illinois Central (7-0). This would then follow with her 100th win being on January 27, 2018 against Lake Sumter (8-5) before claiming her 150th career win March 2, 2019 against Central Florida (6-0).
The Squad:
At the plate, six players have at least 10 RBI. Freshmen Maddie Koczersut leads the squad batting .371 with four home runs and 22 RBI, while also leading the team with 15 walks. Koczersut was 2-for-3 in the second game against EFSC with an RBI and a walk.
Another player that actually showed some power recently is classmate Emily Hughes. Despite batting .223, Hughes has three home runs and 15 RBI. Hughes was 2-for-7 against EFSC with two RBI and a walk.
As far as speed, freshmen Lilly Salazar and Lauren Lightbody lead the way. Salazar is batting .301 with five RBI, while Lightbody is batting .379 with seven RBI. Both have 11 stolen bases each.
On the mound, it's the trio of sophomore Ashlee Zientek and Madi LoCastro and freshman Ally Hulme that take the path.
Zientek is currently 4-3 with a 2.61 ERA, two saves and 51 strikeouts, while at the plate she is batting .366 with seven RBI. In her last appearance, Zientek pitched a complete game against EFSC, giving up eight runs striking out eight, while going 1-for-8 with a run scored.
Predominately as a hybrid player, LoCastro is currently 4-2 with a 2.71 ERA and 31 strikeouts while batting .222 with a home run and 12 RBI. LoCastro pitched in game one against EFSC where she had a no-decision after throwing six innings with two strikeouts.
Hulme is 6-3 with a 3.30 ERA and 36 strikeouts despite getting her third loss against EFSC after throwing four innings of relief with three strikeouts.
Freshman Samantha Hampton and Kristin Kopp have also made their way around joining LoCastro as a couple of hybrid players.
Hampton is currently 3-2 on the mound with a 5.25 ERA and 13 strikeouts, but is batting .231 with 10 RBI. Hampton was 1-for-2 with two RBI against EFSC. In her last appearance on the mound against Kalamazoo Valley, Hampton gave up two runs and struck out three batters in 3.2 innings.
Kopp is batting .262 with a home run and 15 RBI. She has made one appearance on the mound against Oakland where she threw two innings and struck out three batters for her first win.
Starsky and Hutch:
Freshman Lauren Hutcherson had one of her best series games this season as she went a combined 5-for-7 with a home run and seven RBI against Eastern Florida. Currently, Hutcherson is batting .417 with a home run and 17 RBI. In fact, the home run in the first game against Eastern Florida was her first collegiate home run of the season.
Scouting Seminole State:
The Raiders, who are ranked #10 in the nation, are coming off of a sweep over Polk State winning by scores of 12-4 and 11-0 (5).
Freshman Logan Keith leads the team overall offensively batting .472 with 34 hits, three home runs, 21 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Classmate Liz Cutlip is batting .478 with 32 hits, a home run and a team-leading 28 RBI.
Sophomores Marissa Adame and Samantha Guider lead the way for the Raiders on the mound. Adame is 9-0 with a 1.32 ERA, two saves and 42 strikeouts, while Guider is 5-1 with 1.78 ERA and 46 strikeouts. Guider has the Raiders only loss so far this season.
Series History:
The Manatees played the Raiders on day two of the JUCO Kickoff Showcase (2/1) losing by a score of 7-1. Overall the Manatees are 7-13 against the Raiders with their last win being on Feb 3, 2018 where they won 4-2 as part of the split.
Livestats Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
Twitter:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
Seminole: @SeminoleStateSB
Hutcherson's Seven RBI Help SCF SB Split With EFSC
The SCF softball team (18-10) wrapped up their eight-game homestead at the SCF Softball Complex as they split with Eastern Florida State (12-9, 4-1 Southern) losing game one 7-4 in 10 innings before winning game two 11-8. With the split, the Manatees are now 9-3 against the Titans (2012-present).
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while EFSC head coach Jim Beitia sent sophomore Katelyn Wilfert to counter.
The Manatees would get on the board first in the bottom of the first after an RBI single by freshman Lauren Hutcherson to bring in classmate Lauren Lightbody.
At the top of the third, the Titans would respond back with a solo home run off the bat of freshman Gabriela Garcia. It was Garcia's third home run of the season.
With the score still tied 1-1, it was a really a pitcher's dual between LoCastro and Wilfert until the top of the fifth when Garcia hit her fourth home run of the season (second of the game) to give the Titans a 2-1 lead, but the Manatees would answer back in the bottom of the sixth after Hutcherson hit her first collegiate home run of the season to tie the game at 2-2.
At the top of the seventh, freshman Ally Hulme would come in for relief for LoCastro and was able to get out of the inning with three straight outs. After both teams failed to score in the seventh, the game would go to extra innings.
At the top of the ninth, with the international rule in effect, the Titans would take the lead after sophomore Jaidyn Ahl reached base on a fielding error to bring in sophomore Meritxell Blesa to make it 3-2 EFSC, but the Manatees would respond back in the bottom half after freshman Emily Hughes brought in classmate Lilly Salazar, who was placed on second, to tie the game at 3-3.
The Titans would get a big response from Wilfert at the top of the 10th as she hit a two-run blast to left for her sixth home run of the season before Ahl hit a two-RBI double to make it 7-3 EFSC. The Manatees would add one final run after sophomore Makayla Benavidez brought in freshman Kristin Kopp with an RBI groundout, but it was that could be produced as the Titans took the first game.
Wilfert would earn her eighth win of the season after throwing a 10th inning complete game, giving up four runs (one earned) on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts, while going 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Wilfert is now 8-5 on the year.
LoCastro would earn a no-decision after giving up two runs on nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts in six innings.
Hulme would be dubbed with the loss after giving up five runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts in four innings of relief. Hulme is now 6-3 on the season.
Hutcherson would be the only Manatee with a multi-hit and multi-RBI game as she went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a walk. Hughes and sophomore Madelyn Graham would have the teams other two hits. Hughes was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base.
Garcia was 2-for-5 with two home runs, two RBI and runs for the Titans, while Ahl lead the team in hitting going 3-for-5 with two RBI.
Game Two:
Looking to bounce back from the loss, Schuerman sent sophomore Ashlee Zientek to pitch game two, while Beitia sent sophomore McKinleigh Millard.
It would be the Titans that would score first in the first inning after an RBI double by sophomore Victoria Perez and an RBI single by sophomore Sarah Goldsmith for a 2-0 EFSC lead, but the Manatees decided to put a big offensive rally together in the bottom half. After freshman Maddie Koczersut began the inning with a leadoff single, classmate Lilly Salazar would reach base on a fielding error before Lightbody loaded the bases with a single. This would be a big turning point for Hutcherson as the Lake City native would send a single to center and bring in Koczersut and Salazar to tie the game at 2-2.
With runners in scoring position, freshman Samantha Hampton would give the Manatees a 4-3 lead with a single to center to bring in Lightbody and Hutcherson. After Kopp drew a walk, Graham laid down a sacrifice bunt and Zientek struck out, Hughes would hit a hard ball and reach base on an error while Hampton scored. The Manatees would bat around as Koczersut would send a single to left to bring in Kopp before Hughes scored after Salazar reached base on an error for a 7-2 SCF lead.
After the Titans scored at the top of the second after an RBI double by sophomore Sarah Thomas, the bats went quiet in the third before the Titans responded again with two runs after Blesa scored on a fielding error and Garcia laid out a sacrifice fly to make it 7-5 SCF.
The Manatees would respond back in the bottom of the fifth that started with a leadoff single by Graham before stealing second base. After Zientek flew out, Hughes would send a single to center and bring in Graham for a 8-5 SCF lead. After Koczersut and Salazar drew walks to load the bases, the show became all about Hutcherson as she cleared the bases with a double for a 11-5 SCF.
The Titans would add three final runs after a bases loaded walk by sophomore Madison Neuhaus and Perez reach base on a fielding error to bring in Thomas and Garcia, but the Manatees would able to pull themselves together and claim game two.
Zientek would earn the win after throwing a complete game, giving up eight runs (three earned) on nine hits with four walks and a tied career-high eight strikeouts while going 1-for-4 at the plate. Zientek is now 4-3 on the year.
Millard would be dubbed with the loss after a six inning complete game, giving up all 11 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits with six walks and a strikeout. Millard is now 4-2 on the year.
Hutcherson was the hero of game two and the overall series as she finished game two 3-for-4 with five RBI. In the series, Hutcherson finished 5-for-7 with a home run, one walk and seven RBI.
Koczersut was 2-for-3 with an RBI, two runs, a walk and a stolen base, while Hampton was 1-for-2 with two RBI and two walks.
Lightbody (1-for-3, two runs and one walk), Graham (1-for-2, one run, one walk and a stolen base) and Hughes (1-for-4, one RBI, two runs and a stolen base) had the teams final three hits.
Thomas would lead the Titans going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs. She was the only Titan in game two with a multi-hit game.
Notes:
The second win against EFSC was Schuerman's 196th career win with the Manatees and needs four to reach 200 career wins.
Up Next:
The Manatees go back on the road for a brief moment as they travel to Sanford to take on #10 Seminole State College (22-1) in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon, March 7 at noon and 2 pm.
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while EFSC head coach Jim Beitia sent sophomore Katelyn Wilfert to counter.
The Manatees would get on the board first in the bottom of the first after an RBI single by freshman Lauren Hutcherson to bring in classmate Lauren Lightbody.
At the top of the third, the Titans would respond back with a solo home run off the bat of freshman Gabriela Garcia. It was Garcia's third home run of the season.
With the score still tied 1-1, it was a really a pitcher's dual between LoCastro and Wilfert until the top of the fifth when Garcia hit her fourth home run of the season (second of the game) to give the Titans a 2-1 lead, but the Manatees would answer back in the bottom of the sixth after Hutcherson hit her first collegiate home run of the season to tie the game at 2-2.
At the top of the seventh, freshman Ally Hulme would come in for relief for LoCastro and was able to get out of the inning with three straight outs. After both teams failed to score in the seventh, the game would go to extra innings.
At the top of the ninth, with the international rule in effect, the Titans would take the lead after sophomore Jaidyn Ahl reached base on a fielding error to bring in sophomore Meritxell Blesa to make it 3-2 EFSC, but the Manatees would respond back in the bottom half after freshman Emily Hughes brought in classmate Lilly Salazar, who was placed on second, to tie the game at 3-3.
The Titans would get a big response from Wilfert at the top of the 10th as she hit a two-run blast to left for her sixth home run of the season before Ahl hit a two-RBI double to make it 7-3 EFSC. The Manatees would add one final run after sophomore Makayla Benavidez brought in freshman Kristin Kopp with an RBI groundout, but it was that could be produced as the Titans took the first game.
Wilfert would earn her eighth win of the season after throwing a 10th inning complete game, giving up four runs (one earned) on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts, while going 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Wilfert is now 8-5 on the year.
LoCastro would earn a no-decision after giving up two runs on nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts in six innings.
Hulme would be dubbed with the loss after giving up five runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts in four innings of relief. Hulme is now 6-3 on the season.
Hutcherson would be the only Manatee with a multi-hit and multi-RBI game as she went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a walk. Hughes and sophomore Madelyn Graham would have the teams other two hits. Hughes was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base.
Garcia was 2-for-5 with two home runs, two RBI and runs for the Titans, while Ahl lead the team in hitting going 3-for-5 with two RBI.
Game Two:
Looking to bounce back from the loss, Schuerman sent sophomore Ashlee Zientek to pitch game two, while Beitia sent sophomore McKinleigh Millard.
It would be the Titans that would score first in the first inning after an RBI double by sophomore Victoria Perez and an RBI single by sophomore Sarah Goldsmith for a 2-0 EFSC lead, but the Manatees decided to put a big offensive rally together in the bottom half. After freshman Maddie Koczersut began the inning with a leadoff single, classmate Lilly Salazar would reach base on a fielding error before Lightbody loaded the bases with a single. This would be a big turning point for Hutcherson as the Lake City native would send a single to center and bring in Koczersut and Salazar to tie the game at 2-2.
With runners in scoring position, freshman Samantha Hampton would give the Manatees a 4-3 lead with a single to center to bring in Lightbody and Hutcherson. After Kopp drew a walk, Graham laid down a sacrifice bunt and Zientek struck out, Hughes would hit a hard ball and reach base on an error while Hampton scored. The Manatees would bat around as Koczersut would send a single to left to bring in Kopp before Hughes scored after Salazar reached base on an error for a 7-2 SCF lead.
After the Titans scored at the top of the second after an RBI double by sophomore Sarah Thomas, the bats went quiet in the third before the Titans responded again with two runs after Blesa scored on a fielding error and Garcia laid out a sacrifice fly to make it 7-5 SCF.
The Manatees would respond back in the bottom of the fifth that started with a leadoff single by Graham before stealing second base. After Zientek flew out, Hughes would send a single to center and bring in Graham for a 8-5 SCF lead. After Koczersut and Salazar drew walks to load the bases, the show became all about Hutcherson as she cleared the bases with a double for a 11-5 SCF.
The Titans would add three final runs after a bases loaded walk by sophomore Madison Neuhaus and Perez reach base on a fielding error to bring in Thomas and Garcia, but the Manatees would able to pull themselves together and claim game two.
Zientek would earn the win after throwing a complete game, giving up eight runs (three earned) on nine hits with four walks and a tied career-high eight strikeouts while going 1-for-4 at the plate. Zientek is now 4-3 on the year.
Millard would be dubbed with the loss after a six inning complete game, giving up all 11 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits with six walks and a strikeout. Millard is now 4-2 on the year.
Hutcherson was the hero of game two and the overall series as she finished game two 3-for-4 with five RBI. In the series, Hutcherson finished 5-for-7 with a home run, one walk and seven RBI.
Koczersut was 2-for-3 with an RBI, two runs, a walk and a stolen base, while Hampton was 1-for-2 with two RBI and two walks.
Lightbody (1-for-3, two runs and one walk), Graham (1-for-2, one run, one walk and a stolen base) and Hughes (1-for-4, one RBI, two runs and a stolen base) had the teams final three hits.
Thomas would lead the Titans going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs. She was the only Titan in game two with a multi-hit game.
Notes:
The second win against EFSC was Schuerman's 196th career win with the Manatees and needs four to reach 200 career wins.
Up Next:
The Manatees go back on the road for a brief moment as they travel to Sanford to take on #10 Seminole State College (22-1) in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon, March 7 at noon and 2 pm.
SCF Wraps Up Eight Game Homestead vs Eastern Florida
The SCF softball team (17-9) will wrap up their eight game homestead at the SCF Softball Complex as they welcome Eastern Florida State (11-8, 4-1 Southern) Wednesday night, March 4 at 4 and 6 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a split against NJCAA Region 12 Kalamazoo Valley where the fell 3-2 in the first game before winning 2-1 in the second. Currently in their eight game homestead, the Manatees are 6-1 so far.
Freshman Ally Hulme and sophomore Ashlee Zientek are so far the main pitcher for the Manatees.
Hulme is currently 6-2 with a 3.08 ERA and 33 strikeouts. In her last start, Hulme pitched a five inning shutout against Oakland CC with one walk and five strikeouts.
In her last appearance, Zientek pitched 3.1 innings of relief with four walks and four strikeouts against Kalamazoo Valley, while also going 3-for-5 with a triple. Currently, the upcoming Ursuline College transfer is 3-3 with a 2.55 ERA and 43 strikeouts, while at the plate she is batting .424 with 14 hits and seven RBI.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro has been trying to bring back herself as a hybrid player. On the mound, LoCastro is currently 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA and 29 strikeouts, while at the plate she is batting .237 with a home run and 12 RBI. LoCastro was 0-for-6 at the plate against Kalamazoo Valley, but threw a one run, two hit complete game with five strikeouts.
On the basepath, freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar are showing that speed kills. Lightbody is batting .431 with a team-leading 31 hits and seven RBI, while Salazar is batting .362 with 25 hits (second on the team) and five RBI. Both players each have 11 stolen bases. In the series against Kalamazoo Valley, both were 1-for-6 with a stolen base. Salazar added an RBI in the second game.
As far as power, freshmen Maddie Koczersut and Emily Hughes show that. Koczersut is currently batting .375 with four home runs and 21, while Hughes three home runs and 11 RBI despite batting .219. Koczersut played in both games against Kalamazoo Valley going 2-for-3 with four walks, while Hughes was 1-for-6 in the series.
*Personal Opinion: Every time Koczersut is up to the plate, she'll predominantly draw at least one walk per game and she leads the team with 14 walks.
Five Away:
After the split with Kalamazoo Valley, head coach Mandy Schuerman is now five wins away from reaching 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees. She has 195 in her career.
Scouting Eastern Florida:
The Titans are coming off of sweeping Lincoln Trail College (NJCAA Region 24) winning by scores of 10-0 and 9-1, both by mercy rule. They have already started Southern Conference play with their only loss against Broward College (13-10). The Titans roster is a majority of sophomores.
Sophomores Katelyn Wilfert and Madison Neuhaus both have five home runs with Wilfert leading the team in RBI (27) and Neuhaus with a leading batting average (.362). Wilfert is also 7-6 on the season with 1.45 ERA and 58 strikeouts. Wilfert was 3-for-5 against Lincoln Trail with two home runs and four RBI, while Neuhaus was 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees hold a 8-2 overall record against the Titans. Last season, both team split in the regular with the Manatees winning at EFSC before the Titans defeated won at SCF. Both teams met in the FCSAA State Tournament with the Manatees on top and eliminating EFSC from the tournament.
Livestats Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
Twitter Pages:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
EFSC: @efscTitans
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a split against NJCAA Region 12 Kalamazoo Valley where the fell 3-2 in the first game before winning 2-1 in the second. Currently in their eight game homestead, the Manatees are 6-1 so far.
Freshman Ally Hulme and sophomore Ashlee Zientek are so far the main pitcher for the Manatees.
Hulme is currently 6-2 with a 3.08 ERA and 33 strikeouts. In her last start, Hulme pitched a five inning shutout against Oakland CC with one walk and five strikeouts.
In her last appearance, Zientek pitched 3.1 innings of relief with four walks and four strikeouts against Kalamazoo Valley, while also going 3-for-5 with a triple. Currently, the upcoming Ursuline College transfer is 3-3 with a 2.55 ERA and 43 strikeouts, while at the plate she is batting .424 with 14 hits and seven RBI.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro has been trying to bring back herself as a hybrid player. On the mound, LoCastro is currently 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA and 29 strikeouts, while at the plate she is batting .237 with a home run and 12 RBI. LoCastro was 0-for-6 at the plate against Kalamazoo Valley, but threw a one run, two hit complete game with five strikeouts.
On the basepath, freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar are showing that speed kills. Lightbody is batting .431 with a team-leading 31 hits and seven RBI, while Salazar is batting .362 with 25 hits (second on the team) and five RBI. Both players each have 11 stolen bases. In the series against Kalamazoo Valley, both were 1-for-6 with a stolen base. Salazar added an RBI in the second game.
As far as power, freshmen Maddie Koczersut and Emily Hughes show that. Koczersut is currently batting .375 with four home runs and 21, while Hughes three home runs and 11 RBI despite batting .219. Koczersut played in both games against Kalamazoo Valley going 2-for-3 with four walks, while Hughes was 1-for-6 in the series.
*Personal Opinion: Every time Koczersut is up to the plate, she'll predominantly draw at least one walk per game and she leads the team with 14 walks.
Five Away:
After the split with Kalamazoo Valley, head coach Mandy Schuerman is now five wins away from reaching 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees. She has 195 in her career.
Scouting Eastern Florida:
The Titans are coming off of sweeping Lincoln Trail College (NJCAA Region 24) winning by scores of 10-0 and 9-1, both by mercy rule. They have already started Southern Conference play with their only loss against Broward College (13-10). The Titans roster is a majority of sophomores.
Sophomores Katelyn Wilfert and Madison Neuhaus both have five home runs with Wilfert leading the team in RBI (27) and Neuhaus with a leading batting average (.362). Wilfert is also 7-6 on the season with 1.45 ERA and 58 strikeouts. Wilfert was 3-for-5 against Lincoln Trail with two home runs and four RBI, while Neuhaus was 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees hold a 8-2 overall record against the Titans. Last season, both team split in the regular with the Manatees winning at EFSC before the Titans defeated won at SCF. Both teams met in the FCSAA State Tournament with the Manatees on top and eliminating EFSC from the tournament.
Livestats Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
Twitter Pages:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
EFSC: @efscTitans
SCF Softball Splits with Kalamazoo Valley
The SCF softball team (17-9) were able to survive with a split against Kalamazoo Valley (1-5) in two close games losing game one 3-2 before winning game two 2-1. With the split, the Manatees are now 5-1 against the Cougars.
"We really have to work on our timely hitting," said head coach Mandy Schuerman. "Both games we didn't do well executing that portion of it. We must get better."
"I think for both of the games we definitely didn't hit as well as our ability to," said sophomore Madi LoCastro. "And that came back to hurt us the first game, but we pulled threw in the second game and was able to capitalize on the win."
Game One:
For game one, Schuerman sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound, while KVCC head coach Morgan VanderBor sent sophomore Ariana Rowe to counter.
While the first two innings was a pitcher's battle, the Cougars would strike first at the top of the third after freshman Jayme Koning reached first on an error while classmate Mykenzie Domeier scored. At the top of the fourth, the Cougars would add another run after sophomore Kayla Yore drew a bases loaded walk to make it 2-0 KVCC.
At the bottom of the fifth, the Manatees would avoid being shut out as freshman Lauren Lightbody would score on a passed ball, but the Cougars would answer back after Koning hit a leadoff solo shot to center for a 3-1 KVCC lead at the top of the seventh.
The Manatees would try to mount a comeback after loading the bases with freshman Lauren Hutcherson sending sophomore Makayla Benavidez home before freshman Kristin Kopp popped out to end the game.
Rowe would get her first win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up two unearned runs on five hits with seven walks and four strikeouts. Rowe is now 1-1 on the year.
Hampton would go to 3-3 on the year after the loss giving up two runs on eight hits with three strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek gave up one run on two hits with four walks and four strikeouts in three and a third innings, while going 2-for-2 with a triple. She was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game.
Lightbody, Hutcherson and Benavidez had the remaining Manatees three hits. Lightbody and Benavidez also added a stolen base each.
Freshman Olivia Fee was the only Cougar with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-3. Koning and Yore had the Cougars lone two RBI.
Game Two:
Hoping to bounce back, Schuerman sent LoCastro to the mound, while VanderBor sent Fee to counter.
After the first two innings were a pitchers battle yet again, Fee would buckle first in the bottom of the third. After a one-out single by freshman Maddie Koczersut before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by Lightbody, classmate Lilly Salazar would send a single to right, with the infield in, and bring Koczersut home before stealing second. This was then followed by an RBI single by Hutcherson to send Salazar home for a 2-0 SCF lead.
The Cougars would then get on the board at the top of the fifth after an RBI single by sophomore Morgan Lenox, but the Manatees were able to hold on to the lead with strong defense for the win.
LoCastro would come out with her third win of the season, putting her at 3-2 on the year, after throwing a two-hit complete game, giving up one unearned run with five strikeouts.
"It feels good to get the win," said LoCastro on her game. "I definitely felt like I could control and be able to keep it as a close game and we could get the win."
Fee would be dubbed with her second loss after throwing five innings, giving up both runs on six hits with one walk and one strikeout. Fee was also 1-for-3 at the plate.
Koczersut was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game in game two as she finished 2-for-3.
Salazar and Hutcherson each had one hit and one RBI. Salazar added a stolen base on her part.
Zientek went 1-for-3 and finished 3-for-5 on the series. Freshman Emily Hughes went 1-for-3 in game two.
Koning and Lenox had the Cougars' other two hits.
Notes:
Schuerman's one win in the series put her at 195 career wins as head coach for the Manatees and needs five to reach 200 career wins.
Other Suncoast Scores:
St. Pete (17-7) swept North Idaho (2-4) 9-1 (5) and 9-6 at home March 1. The Titans will welcome Oakland CC Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 4 and 6 pm.
#3 Florida Southwestern (17-2) split with #2 Central Florida (24-1) winning game one 12-8 before losing game two 7-5 February 28. The Buccaneers will be back in action against Kalamazoo Valley Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 4 and 6 pm.
Hillsborough (11-11) split with Pasco-Hernando (10-6) February 22 losing game one 11-10 before winning game two 5-1. The Hawks will welcome Lake Sumter (14-12) Tuesday night, March 3 at 5 and 7 pm.
Polk State (6-12) dropped their doubleheader to #10 Seminole State (22-1) 18-5 and 14-6, both via mercy rule. The Eagles will face Daytona State (5-13) Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 3 and 5 pm.
South Florida State (7-15) dropped a doubleheader to Santa Fe (14-12) losing by scores of 12-4 (6) and 8-0 (5). The Panthers will welcome Santa Fe for a rematch Thursday afternoon, March 5 at 4 and 6 pm.
Up Next:
The Manatees will wrap up their eight-game homestead as they welcome Eastern Florida State (11-8, 4-1 Southern) Wednesday afternoon, March 4 at 4 and 6 pm.
"We really have to work on our timely hitting," said head coach Mandy Schuerman. "Both games we didn't do well executing that portion of it. We must get better."
"I think for both of the games we definitely didn't hit as well as our ability to," said sophomore Madi LoCastro. "And that came back to hurt us the first game, but we pulled threw in the second game and was able to capitalize on the win."
Game One:
For game one, Schuerman sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound, while KVCC head coach Morgan VanderBor sent sophomore Ariana Rowe to counter.
While the first two innings was a pitcher's battle, the Cougars would strike first at the top of the third after freshman Jayme Koning reached first on an error while classmate Mykenzie Domeier scored. At the top of the fourth, the Cougars would add another run after sophomore Kayla Yore drew a bases loaded walk to make it 2-0 KVCC.
At the bottom of the fifth, the Manatees would avoid being shut out as freshman Lauren Lightbody would score on a passed ball, but the Cougars would answer back after Koning hit a leadoff solo shot to center for a 3-1 KVCC lead at the top of the seventh.
The Manatees would try to mount a comeback after loading the bases with freshman Lauren Hutcherson sending sophomore Makayla Benavidez home before freshman Kristin Kopp popped out to end the game.
Rowe would get her first win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up two unearned runs on five hits with seven walks and four strikeouts. Rowe is now 1-1 on the year.
Hampton would go to 3-3 on the year after the loss giving up two runs on eight hits with three strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek gave up one run on two hits with four walks and four strikeouts in three and a third innings, while going 2-for-2 with a triple. She was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game.
Lightbody, Hutcherson and Benavidez had the remaining Manatees three hits. Lightbody and Benavidez also added a stolen base each.
Freshman Olivia Fee was the only Cougar with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-3. Koning and Yore had the Cougars lone two RBI.
Game Two:
Hoping to bounce back, Schuerman sent LoCastro to the mound, while VanderBor sent Fee to counter.
After the first two innings were a pitchers battle yet again, Fee would buckle first in the bottom of the third. After a one-out single by freshman Maddie Koczersut before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by Lightbody, classmate Lilly Salazar would send a single to right, with the infield in, and bring Koczersut home before stealing second. This was then followed by an RBI single by Hutcherson to send Salazar home for a 2-0 SCF lead.
The Cougars would then get on the board at the top of the fifth after an RBI single by sophomore Morgan Lenox, but the Manatees were able to hold on to the lead with strong defense for the win.
LoCastro would come out with her third win of the season, putting her at 3-2 on the year, after throwing a two-hit complete game, giving up one unearned run with five strikeouts.
"It feels good to get the win," said LoCastro on her game. "I definitely felt like I could control and be able to keep it as a close game and we could get the win."
Fee would be dubbed with her second loss after throwing five innings, giving up both runs on six hits with one walk and one strikeout. Fee was also 1-for-3 at the plate.
Koczersut was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game in game two as she finished 2-for-3.
Salazar and Hutcherson each had one hit and one RBI. Salazar added a stolen base on her part.
Zientek went 1-for-3 and finished 3-for-5 on the series. Freshman Emily Hughes went 1-for-3 in game two.
Koning and Lenox had the Cougars' other two hits.
Notes:
Schuerman's one win in the series put her at 195 career wins as head coach for the Manatees and needs five to reach 200 career wins.
Other Suncoast Scores:
St. Pete (17-7) swept North Idaho (2-4) 9-1 (5) and 9-6 at home March 1. The Titans will welcome Oakland CC Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 4 and 6 pm.
#3 Florida Southwestern (17-2) split with #2 Central Florida (24-1) winning game one 12-8 before losing game two 7-5 February 28. The Buccaneers will be back in action against Kalamazoo Valley Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 4 and 6 pm.
Hillsborough (11-11) split with Pasco-Hernando (10-6) February 22 losing game one 11-10 before winning game two 5-1. The Hawks will welcome Lake Sumter (14-12) Tuesday night, March 3 at 5 and 7 pm.
Polk State (6-12) dropped their doubleheader to #10 Seminole State (22-1) 18-5 and 14-6, both via mercy rule. The Eagles will face Daytona State (5-13) Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 3 and 5 pm.
South Florida State (7-15) dropped a doubleheader to Santa Fe (14-12) losing by scores of 12-4 (6) and 8-0 (5). The Panthers will welcome Santa Fe for a rematch Thursday afternoon, March 5 at 4 and 6 pm.
Up Next:
The Manatees will wrap up their eight-game homestead as they welcome Eastern Florida State (11-8, 4-1 Southern) Wednesday afternoon, March 4 at 4 and 6 pm.
SCF Softball Sweeps Oakland
The SCF softball team (16-8) claimed another doubleheader as they swept Oakland CC (0-2) 8-0 and 13-5 via mercy rule. With the sweep, the Manatees are now 15-1 against the Raiders.
"I think anytime you win ball games, it's a good thing," said head coach Mandy Schuerman. "We are excited to have two quality wins and look forward to building on it."
Game One:
For game one, Schuerman went with her ace in freshman Ally Hulme, while Oakland head coach Jamie Corona went with sophomore Lanie Ellinger.
After Hulme struck out the side at the top of the first, the Manatees would get on the board first starting with back-to-back singles by freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar. After freshman Maddie Koczersut laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Lightbody and Salazar in scoring position for sophomore Madi LoCastro. On a 2-1 count, the Lakewood Ranch product sent a sacrifice fly to center to bring in Lightbody and Salazar for a 2-0 SCF lead.
Play stopped for 10 minutes due to freshman Lindsey Michol getting injured.
Personal Note: I did say a prayer for her when she left the field as a way of showing respect to the fans that came to support their team. No one likes to see anyone get hurt, especially for their first game of the season.
Resuming back to the game, the bats went quiet on both ends of the field with Hulme backed up on the field by the defense and getting a couple more strikeouts until the bottom of the fifth when the Manatees decided to finish where they left off. After Koczersut and LoCastro drew back-to-back walks, freshman Lauren Hutcherson would start the onslaught with an RBI single to send Koczersut home. Sophomore Ashlee Zientek would then send LoCastro home after reaching on fielding error before Hutcherson scored on the same error for a 5-0 SCF lead. This signaled the end for Ellinger as Corona would send freshman Amber Shayler to the mound.
After sophomore Madelyn Graham hit a single to right, freshman Kristin Kopp would draw a walk to load the bases for classmate Madi Schaefer, who would bring Zientek home with a bases-loaded walk before classmate Emily Hughes came in to pinch run. Lightbody would follow with a bases-loaded walk of her own to bring in Graham for a 7-0 SCF lead. After Corona sent freshman Olivia Katich to the mound, Salazar reached on a fielder's choice before Kopp was out at home. Freshman Kelsi Jeffries would be the hero of the game as she drew a bases loaded walk to bring in Hughes to seal the deal. It was Jeffries' first collegiate RBI.
Hulme would get her sixth win of the season after throwing a two-hit five inning shutout walking one batter and striking out five. Hulme is now 6-3 on the year.
"I attacked the zone early and I had a really good defense behind to get the win," said Hulme on the shutout.
Ellinger would be hit with the loss after giving up five runs on six hits with four walks and one strikeout in four innings.
Lightbody and Hutcherson would each get two hits, an RBI, a run and a walk. Lightbody added a stolen base to her mix.
LoCastro would go 1-for-1 with two RBI and two walks. LoCastro was the only Manatee with a multi RBI game.
Salazar and Graham had the Manatees' final two hits and added a run each. Graham also drew a walk.
Sophomores Olivia Marasco and Maria McCollom had the Raiders lone two hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent LoCastro to the mound to cover some ground while Corona sent Katich to counter.
After a scoreless, the Raiders would get on the board first after Katich hit a solo shot to left for her first collegiate home run of the year, but the Manatees would answer back with a strong bat off of Hughes to bring in LoCastro and Jefferies, who drew walks for a 3-1 SCF lead. It was Hughes' third home run of the season.
At the top of the Raiders would then cut the Manatees lead to one after an RBI single by Ellinger. After being unable to score in the bottom of the third, the Manatees would answer back with vengeance in the bottom of the fourth. Beginning with leadoff walk by Jeffries and a double by Hughes, Zientek would show her sign of power as the Winter Springs native sent a double to left to bring in Jeffries for a 4-2 SCF lead.
After a two-RBI double by Graham to bring in Hughes and Zientek before sophomore Makayla Benavidez, Corona would pull Katich and send Shayler to the mound. After a bunt single by Lightbody before Salazar grounded out to move Lightbody and hold Benavidez at third. This gave Hutcherson to extend the Manatees' lead further with a two-RBI single to send Benavidez and Lightbody home for a 8-2 SCF lead.
After Kopp popped out, Koczersut, who came in to pinch hit, would have power come her way on deuces wild as the local product of Bradenton shot a home run to left center to give the Manatees a 10-2 lead and try to apply the mercy rule. This was Koczersut's fourth home run of the season.
Kopp would then make her firshe Raiders would answer back at the top of the fifth to buy some time and stop the mercy rule from happening as Ellinger sent a three-run shot to left to make it 10-5 SCF, but the Manatees would not stand for that and decided to end the game needing only three runs. After the first two batters grounded out, Benavidez would reach first after being hit by a pitch. After Lightbody drew a walk and Salazar singled to load the bases, Hutcherson would reach on an error and send Benavidez and Lightbody home for a 12-5 SCF lead leaving Kopp to be the hero of the second game. On a 3-1 count, Kopp would send a single to right and bring in Hutcherson to seal the deal.
LoCastro would earn a no-decision after giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits with four strikeouts in three innings, while going 1-for-1 with a run scored and walk. LoCastro would finish the series at the plate 2-for-2 with two RBI, two runs scored and three walks.
Kopp would get her first collegiate win on the mound after throwing two innings, giving up three runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts and going 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI. Kopp finished 1-for-4 with an RBI in the series.
Katich would be hit with the loss after giving up seven runs on nine hits with three walks in three innings. Katich was also 2-for-2 with a home run.
Hughes was the leader offensively as she went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Hughes finished 2-for-4 on the series.
Aside from Salazar, Hutcherson, and Zientek each had two hits. Salazar (2-for-4) added a run, while Hutcherson (2-for-4) added two RBI, a run and a stolen base and Zientek (2-for-3) added an RBI and a run. Salazar finished the series 3-for-8 with two runs, while Hutcherson finished 4-for-6 with three RBI, two runs and two stolen bases and Zientek finished 2-for-6 with two RBI and two runs.
"It feels really good," said Hutcherson on her game. "I don't know what I was eating or doing, but it's working and I'm hitting the ball really nice right now and I hope that my teammates are hitting the ball too. I'm looking forward to more wins this season."
Koczersut and Graham each had one hit and two RBI, while Lightbody was 1-for-3 with two runs. Koczersut finished 1-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored, while Graham finished 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run and Lightbody finished 3-for-6 with one RBI and three runs.
"I think really what our goal was to have a good offensive approach, but also not really have missed opportunities," said Schuerman on the team's offense. "We had too many baserunners stranded in game one, so we were working on buttoning up a little bit going towards game two. I think we can still get better at it."
"As far as pitching and defense, we just got to pound the zone and try not to make any defensive mistakes to get the shutout in game one and to really build off that and to get some more shutouts."
Ellinger was the main offensive player for the Raiders as she finished 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBI.
Freshman Ashley Lagodzinski joined Katich and Ellinger with a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-2 with a run.
"It felt really good to get the sweep," said Hutcherson. "Our team hit the ball really and we're now focusing on hitting the ball hard on the ground and we really got our goal with two great wins and our team is really coming together and making sure we have a plan up to bat and it really showed today that we are getting ready to get back on track for Kalamazoo Valley."
Notes:
With the two wins, Schuerman now has 194 wins in her career and needs six more to reach 200 wins as head coach for the Manatees.
Up Next:
The Manatees are halfway done with their eight-game homestead as they welcome Kalamazoo Valley (0-4) to the SCF Softball Complex Monday afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm. The Cougars fell to Pasco-Hernando State 12-4 and 9-7.
"I think anytime you win ball games, it's a good thing," said head coach Mandy Schuerman. "We are excited to have two quality wins and look forward to building on it."
Game One:
For game one, Schuerman went with her ace in freshman Ally Hulme, while Oakland head coach Jamie Corona went with sophomore Lanie Ellinger.
After Hulme struck out the side at the top of the first, the Manatees would get on the board first starting with back-to-back singles by freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar. After freshman Maddie Koczersut laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Lightbody and Salazar in scoring position for sophomore Madi LoCastro. On a 2-1 count, the Lakewood Ranch product sent a sacrifice fly to center to bring in Lightbody and Salazar for a 2-0 SCF lead.
Play stopped for 10 minutes due to freshman Lindsey Michol getting injured.
Personal Note: I did say a prayer for her when she left the field as a way of showing respect to the fans that came to support their team. No one likes to see anyone get hurt, especially for their first game of the season.
Resuming back to the game, the bats went quiet on both ends of the field with Hulme backed up on the field by the defense and getting a couple more strikeouts until the bottom of the fifth when the Manatees decided to finish where they left off. After Koczersut and LoCastro drew back-to-back walks, freshman Lauren Hutcherson would start the onslaught with an RBI single to send Koczersut home. Sophomore Ashlee Zientek would then send LoCastro home after reaching on fielding error before Hutcherson scored on the same error for a 5-0 SCF lead. This signaled the end for Ellinger as Corona would send freshman Amber Shayler to the mound.
After sophomore Madelyn Graham hit a single to right, freshman Kristin Kopp would draw a walk to load the bases for classmate Madi Schaefer, who would bring Zientek home with a bases-loaded walk before classmate Emily Hughes came in to pinch run. Lightbody would follow with a bases-loaded walk of her own to bring in Graham for a 7-0 SCF lead. After Corona sent freshman Olivia Katich to the mound, Salazar reached on a fielder's choice before Kopp was out at home. Freshman Kelsi Jeffries would be the hero of the game as she drew a bases loaded walk to bring in Hughes to seal the deal. It was Jeffries' first collegiate RBI.
Hulme would get her sixth win of the season after throwing a two-hit five inning shutout walking one batter and striking out five. Hulme is now 6-3 on the year.
"I attacked the zone early and I had a really good defense behind to get the win," said Hulme on the shutout.
Ellinger would be hit with the loss after giving up five runs on six hits with four walks and one strikeout in four innings.
Lightbody and Hutcherson would each get two hits, an RBI, a run and a walk. Lightbody added a stolen base to her mix.
LoCastro would go 1-for-1 with two RBI and two walks. LoCastro was the only Manatee with a multi RBI game.
Salazar and Graham had the Manatees' final two hits and added a run each. Graham also drew a walk.
Sophomores Olivia Marasco and Maria McCollom had the Raiders lone two hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent LoCastro to the mound to cover some ground while Corona sent Katich to counter.
After a scoreless, the Raiders would get on the board first after Katich hit a solo shot to left for her first collegiate home run of the year, but the Manatees would answer back with a strong bat off of Hughes to bring in LoCastro and Jefferies, who drew walks for a 3-1 SCF lead. It was Hughes' third home run of the season.
At the top of the Raiders would then cut the Manatees lead to one after an RBI single by Ellinger. After being unable to score in the bottom of the third, the Manatees would answer back with vengeance in the bottom of the fourth. Beginning with leadoff walk by Jeffries and a double by Hughes, Zientek would show her sign of power as the Winter Springs native sent a double to left to bring in Jeffries for a 4-2 SCF lead.
After a two-RBI double by Graham to bring in Hughes and Zientek before sophomore Makayla Benavidez, Corona would pull Katich and send Shayler to the mound. After a bunt single by Lightbody before Salazar grounded out to move Lightbody and hold Benavidez at third. This gave Hutcherson to extend the Manatees' lead further with a two-RBI single to send Benavidez and Lightbody home for a 8-2 SCF lead.
After Kopp popped out, Koczersut, who came in to pinch hit, would have power come her way on deuces wild as the local product of Bradenton shot a home run to left center to give the Manatees a 10-2 lead and try to apply the mercy rule. This was Koczersut's fourth home run of the season.
Kopp would then make her firshe Raiders would answer back at the top of the fifth to buy some time and stop the mercy rule from happening as Ellinger sent a three-run shot to left to make it 10-5 SCF, but the Manatees would not stand for that and decided to end the game needing only three runs. After the first two batters grounded out, Benavidez would reach first after being hit by a pitch. After Lightbody drew a walk and Salazar singled to load the bases, Hutcherson would reach on an error and send Benavidez and Lightbody home for a 12-5 SCF lead leaving Kopp to be the hero of the second game. On a 3-1 count, Kopp would send a single to right and bring in Hutcherson to seal the deal.
LoCastro would earn a no-decision after giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits with four strikeouts in three innings, while going 1-for-1 with a run scored and walk. LoCastro would finish the series at the plate 2-for-2 with two RBI, two runs scored and three walks.
Kopp would get her first collegiate win on the mound after throwing two innings, giving up three runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts and going 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI. Kopp finished 1-for-4 with an RBI in the series.
Katich would be hit with the loss after giving up seven runs on nine hits with three walks in three innings. Katich was also 2-for-2 with a home run.
Hughes was the leader offensively as she went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Hughes finished 2-for-4 on the series.
Aside from Salazar, Hutcherson, and Zientek each had two hits. Salazar (2-for-4) added a run, while Hutcherson (2-for-4) added two RBI, a run and a stolen base and Zientek (2-for-3) added an RBI and a run. Salazar finished the series 3-for-8 with two runs, while Hutcherson finished 4-for-6 with three RBI, two runs and two stolen bases and Zientek finished 2-for-6 with two RBI and two runs.
"It feels really good," said Hutcherson on her game. "I don't know what I was eating or doing, but it's working and I'm hitting the ball really nice right now and I hope that my teammates are hitting the ball too. I'm looking forward to more wins this season."
Koczersut and Graham each had one hit and two RBI, while Lightbody was 1-for-3 with two runs. Koczersut finished 1-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored, while Graham finished 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run and Lightbody finished 3-for-6 with one RBI and three runs.
"I think really what our goal was to have a good offensive approach, but also not really have missed opportunities," said Schuerman on the team's offense. "We had too many baserunners stranded in game one, so we were working on buttoning up a little bit going towards game two. I think we can still get better at it."
"As far as pitching and defense, we just got to pound the zone and try not to make any defensive mistakes to get the shutout in game one and to really build off that and to get some more shutouts."
Ellinger was the main offensive player for the Raiders as she finished 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBI.
Freshman Ashley Lagodzinski joined Katich and Ellinger with a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-2 with a run.
"It felt really good to get the sweep," said Hutcherson. "Our team hit the ball really and we're now focusing on hitting the ball hard on the ground and we really got our goal with two great wins and our team is really coming together and making sure we have a plan up to bat and it really showed today that we are getting ready to get back on track for Kalamazoo Valley."
Notes:
With the two wins, Schuerman now has 194 wins in her career and needs six more to reach 200 wins as head coach for the Manatees.
Up Next:
The Manatees are halfway done with their eight-game homestead as they welcome Kalamazoo Valley (0-4) to the SCF Softball Complex Monday afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm. The Cougars fell to Pasco-Hernando State 12-4 and 9-7.
SCF Softball Readies for a Michigan Welcome
The SCF softball team (14-8) readies for two more home series doubleheaders as part of their eight-game homestead as they welcome NJCAA Region 12 members Oakland CC (0-0) Saturday afternoon, February 28 at noon and 2 pm before facing Kalamazoo Valley (2-2) Monday later afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a sweep over Lake Sumter as they won by scores of 6-4 and 5-2.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue to lead the path with their speed. Lightbody is batting .411 with six RBI and nine stolen bases, while Salazar is batting .393 with four RBI and nine stolen bases. In the series against LSSC, Lightbody was 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI while Salazar went 0-for-6 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
Classmate Maddie Koczersut continues her part as the power hitter of the team as she is batting .356 with three home runs and 19 RBI. Koczersut was 2-for-5 with two RBI against LSSC.
Freshman Kristin Kopp has also had a few big bats recently as she is batting .308 with a home run and 14 RBI. Kopp was 2-for-5 with a home run. In fact, it was her first collegiate home run.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 3-2 with a 2.51 ERA, two saves and 40 strikeouts, while batting .409 with five RBI. Zientek was 3-for-3 with an RBI in both games against LSSC, while throwing three scoreless innings of relief with seven strikeouts.
Despite not pitching in the series against LSSC, freshman Ally Hulme is 5-3 with 3.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro also got back into playing as a hybrid player batting .235 with a home run and 10 RBI, while going 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 19 strikeouts. LoCastro was 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI in the series against LSSC, while pitching a complete game with five strikeouts.
Coach 200:
Head Coach Mandy Schuerman is on her way for another milestone as she looks to get 200 career wins with the Manatees as head coach. Schuerman has 192 so far and needs eight for the milestone.
Scouting Oakland CC:
Oakland CC, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is led by Jamie Corona, who enters her 12th year as head coach and is the reigning MCCAA Eastern Conference Coach of the Year.
The Raiders finished last season 36-13 overall with a 25-3 record in conference. This will be their opening game to their 2020 season.
Six sophomores return to their alma mater, which includes their home run hitter in Ivy Velazquez. Velazquez batted .433 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI last season, while winning the MCCAA Eastern Conference Freshman of the Year and being named members of the MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Freshman Team, All-Eastern Conference First Team, MCCAA All-Softball Team, NJCAA Region 12 All-Region Team and NJCAA DII Softball All-American Second Team.
Lanie Ellinger was 18-6 overall with a 2.68 ERA and 149 strikeouts. Ellinger joined Velazquez on MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Freshman Team as well as being a member of the All-Eastern Conference Second Team.
Scouting Kalamazoo Valley CC:
Kalamazoo Valley CC, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is led by head coach Morgan VanderBor. The Cougars finished last season 24-20 overall with a 20-8 record in the MCCAA Western Conference.
The Cougars actually opened their season with a doubleheader against Gordon State losing 8-0 via mercy rule/no hitter and 10-8. They will face Pasco-Hernando State in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 and 3 pm
The Cougars bring back eight sophomores that include Amy Jo Tavernier, who hit .385 with four home runs and 24 RBI, and Ariana Rowe, who went 12-11 on the mound with a 3.25 ERA and 135 strikeouts.
Series History:
Overall, the Manatees hold a 13-1 record against OCC and a 2-0 record against KVCC. The Manatees split the last series with Oakland losing 7-5 in game one before winning 3-2 in game two, while the series with Kalamazoo Valley will be the second time. The first time both teams met was last season where the Manatees won by scores of 9-1 (5) and 7-3.
Fun Fact (2012-present):
The Manatees are 43-6 against non-Florida schools.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats are provided by GameChanger and fans can keep up to date with all three teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Softball
KVCC: @KVCC_Softball
Oakland CC: @OCCollege
GameChanger Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a sweep over Lake Sumter as they won by scores of 6-4 and 5-2.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue to lead the path with their speed. Lightbody is batting .411 with six RBI and nine stolen bases, while Salazar is batting .393 with four RBI and nine stolen bases. In the series against LSSC, Lightbody was 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI while Salazar went 0-for-6 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
Classmate Maddie Koczersut continues her part as the power hitter of the team as she is batting .356 with three home runs and 19 RBI. Koczersut was 2-for-5 with two RBI against LSSC.
Freshman Kristin Kopp has also had a few big bats recently as she is batting .308 with a home run and 14 RBI. Kopp was 2-for-5 with a home run. In fact, it was her first collegiate home run.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 3-2 with a 2.51 ERA, two saves and 40 strikeouts, while batting .409 with five RBI. Zientek was 3-for-3 with an RBI in both games against LSSC, while throwing three scoreless innings of relief with seven strikeouts.
Despite not pitching in the series against LSSC, freshman Ally Hulme is 5-3 with 3.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro also got back into playing as a hybrid player batting .235 with a home run and 10 RBI, while going 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 19 strikeouts. LoCastro was 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI in the series against LSSC, while pitching a complete game with five strikeouts.
Coach 200:
Head Coach Mandy Schuerman is on her way for another milestone as she looks to get 200 career wins with the Manatees as head coach. Schuerman has 192 so far and needs eight for the milestone.
Scouting Oakland CC:
Oakland CC, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is led by Jamie Corona, who enters her 12th year as head coach and is the reigning MCCAA Eastern Conference Coach of the Year.
The Raiders finished last season 36-13 overall with a 25-3 record in conference. This will be their opening game to their 2020 season.
Six sophomores return to their alma mater, which includes their home run hitter in Ivy Velazquez. Velazquez batted .433 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI last season, while winning the MCCAA Eastern Conference Freshman of the Year and being named members of the MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Freshman Team, All-Eastern Conference First Team, MCCAA All-Softball Team, NJCAA Region 12 All-Region Team and NJCAA DII Softball All-American Second Team.
Lanie Ellinger was 18-6 overall with a 2.68 ERA and 149 strikeouts. Ellinger joined Velazquez on MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Freshman Team as well as being a member of the All-Eastern Conference Second Team.
Scouting Kalamazoo Valley CC:
Kalamazoo Valley CC, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is led by head coach Morgan VanderBor. The Cougars finished last season 24-20 overall with a 20-8 record in the MCCAA Western Conference.
The Cougars actually opened their season with a doubleheader against Gordon State losing 8-0 via mercy rule/no hitter and 10-8. They will face Pasco-Hernando State in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 and 3 pm
The Cougars bring back eight sophomores that include Amy Jo Tavernier, who hit .385 with four home runs and 24 RBI, and Ariana Rowe, who went 12-11 on the mound with a 3.25 ERA and 135 strikeouts.
Series History:
Overall, the Manatees hold a 13-1 record against OCC and a 2-0 record against KVCC. The Manatees split the last series with Oakland losing 7-5 in game one before winning 3-2 in game two, while the series with Kalamazoo Valley will be the second time. The first time both teams met was last season where the Manatees won by scores of 9-1 (5) and 7-3.
Fun Fact (2012-present):
The Manatees are 43-6 against non-Florida schools.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats are provided by GameChanger and fans can keep up to date with all three teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Softball
KVCC: @KVCC_Softball
Oakland CC: @OCCollege
GameChanger Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
SCF Softball Claims Series Over Lake Sumter
The SCF softball team (14-8) claimed their second series this season as they swept Lake Sumter State (13-11) 6-4 and 5-2 to claim the overall series sweep as part of their eight-game homestead. With the wins, the Manatees are now 27-2 against the Lakehawks.
Game One:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound to start game one, while Lake Sumter head coach Jay Miller sent sophomore Brandi Davis to counter.
After the first two innings went scoreless for both teams, the Manatees would get on the board first in the bottom of the third that began with freshman Kristin Kopp reaching base on a fielding error before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by classmate Lauren Lightbody. After freshman Lilly Salazar reached on an error, classmate Maddie Koczersut would send a single to center to bring in Kopp for a 1-0 lead. Freshman Lauren Hutcherson would then go for a suicide squeeze play and send Salazar home for a 2-0 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would get some big flies from big bats off of sophomore Madi LoCastro and Kopp as they hit back-to-back solo home runs. It was LoCastro's first home run of the season, eighth in her career and Kopp's first collegiate home run. After a Lightbody double and Salazar reaching on a fielding error, Lightbody would score on the same fielding error. After Koczersut drew a walk, Hutcherson would send Salazar home with a single to third for a 6-0 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Lakehawks would try and mount a comeback after an RBI singles by freshman Bailee Sims sophomore Casey Allen and an RBI double by freshman Emily Kolwicz. This signaled the end for Hampton as sophomore Ashlee Zientek would come in for relief. After Kolwicz scored on a passed ball, Zientek was able to get out of a bases loaded situation to end the top half of the inning before clearing the rest of the game for the win.
Hampton would secure the win after giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits in four innings. Hampton is now 3-2 on the year.
Zientek would get a save after giving up a hit with three walks and seven strikeouts in three innings. Zientek was also 1-for-1 at the plate.
Davis would get the loss after four innings giving up six runs (three earned) on seven hits with two walks.
Freshman Kayla Reichardt threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts, while sophomore Sarah Grindrod threw a scoreless inning of her own.
Kopp and Koczersut would each have two hits, an RBI and a walk. Kopp (2-for-2) added two runs scored.
LoCastro ended up 1-for-4 with the home run.
Lightbody and Hutcherson had the final two hits for the Manatees.
Kolwicz and sophomore Jennifer Bryant each had two hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound, while Miller sent sophomore Cissy Doolittle to counter.
After a scoreless inning, the Manatees would once again get on the board first that began with back-to-back singles by Zientek and LoCastro, who entered in relief at the top of the second. After a sacrifice bunt by Hughes, Lightbody would send a single to left to send Zientek home for the first run. After Salazar was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Koczersut was hit by a pitch and brought in LoCastro to load the bases again. Hutcherson would then draw a bases loaded walk and bring in Lightbody for a 3-0 SCF lead.
The Lakehawks would get on the board at the top of the third after an RBI single by Allen. Two scoreless innings later, the Manatees would extend their 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth. After a leadoff double by Hutcherson, freshman Madi Schaefer would hit a single to center before Zientek sent a single to left to bring in Hutcherson before LoCastro sent a double to right for a 5-1 SCF lead.
The Lakehawks would bring in one more run after an RBI double by freshman Genesis Aviles to make it 5-2 SCF, but it was all that they could muster together as they pulled away with the win.
Hulme would end up with a no-decision after a scoreless inning with one strikeout.
LoCastro would end up 3-2 on the year after throwing six innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts. LoCastro was also 2-for-3 with an RBI. LoCastro would end up finishing 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI in the series.
Doolittle would fall two 0-2 after four and a third, giving up five runs on eight hits with five walks and one strikeout, while freshman Skyler Gill threw one and two-third scoreless innings.
Aside from LoCastro, Lightbody (2-for-4), Hutcherson (2-for-3) and Zientek (2-for-2) each two hits and an RBI. Lightbody added a stolen base, while Hutcherson and Zientek each added a walk. at the end of the series, Lightbody finished 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Hutcherson finished 3-for-6 with a run scored and an RBI and Zientek went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.
Schafer (1-for-3, one run scored) had the team's final hit.
Bryant and Aviles would each go 2-for-3 each with Aviles adding one RBI. Bryant finished 4-for-6 on the series.
Notes:
Schuerman earned career wins 191 and 192 and needs eight to reach 200 wins in her career.
Up Next:
The Manatees remain at home for the next six games as they welcome a pair of Midwest teams to the SCF Softball Complex, Oakland CC and Kalamazoo Valley CC. The Manatees will play Oakland CC Saturday afternoon, February 29 at noon and 2 pm before playing Kalamazoo Valley CC Monday late afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm.
Game One:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound to start game one, while Lake Sumter head coach Jay Miller sent sophomore Brandi Davis to counter.
After the first two innings went scoreless for both teams, the Manatees would get on the board first in the bottom of the third that began with freshman Kristin Kopp reaching base on a fielding error before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by classmate Lauren Lightbody. After freshman Lilly Salazar reached on an error, classmate Maddie Koczersut would send a single to center to bring in Kopp for a 1-0 lead. Freshman Lauren Hutcherson would then go for a suicide squeeze play and send Salazar home for a 2-0 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would get some big flies from big bats off of sophomore Madi LoCastro and Kopp as they hit back-to-back solo home runs. It was LoCastro's first home run of the season, eighth in her career and Kopp's first collegiate home run. After a Lightbody double and Salazar reaching on a fielding error, Lightbody would score on the same fielding error. After Koczersut drew a walk, Hutcherson would send Salazar home with a single to third for a 6-0 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Lakehawks would try and mount a comeback after an RBI singles by freshman Bailee Sims sophomore Casey Allen and an RBI double by freshman Emily Kolwicz. This signaled the end for Hampton as sophomore Ashlee Zientek would come in for relief. After Kolwicz scored on a passed ball, Zientek was able to get out of a bases loaded situation to end the top half of the inning before clearing the rest of the game for the win.
Hampton would secure the win after giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits in four innings. Hampton is now 3-2 on the year.
Zientek would get a save after giving up a hit with three walks and seven strikeouts in three innings. Zientek was also 1-for-1 at the plate.
Davis would get the loss after four innings giving up six runs (three earned) on seven hits with two walks.
Freshman Kayla Reichardt threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts, while sophomore Sarah Grindrod threw a scoreless inning of her own.
Kopp and Koczersut would each have two hits, an RBI and a walk. Kopp (2-for-2) added two runs scored.
LoCastro ended up 1-for-4 with the home run.
Lightbody and Hutcherson had the final two hits for the Manatees.
Kolwicz and sophomore Jennifer Bryant each had two hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound, while Miller sent sophomore Cissy Doolittle to counter.
After a scoreless inning, the Manatees would once again get on the board first that began with back-to-back singles by Zientek and LoCastro, who entered in relief at the top of the second. After a sacrifice bunt by Hughes, Lightbody would send a single to left to send Zientek home for the first run. After Salazar was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Koczersut was hit by a pitch and brought in LoCastro to load the bases again. Hutcherson would then draw a bases loaded walk and bring in Lightbody for a 3-0 SCF lead.
The Lakehawks would get on the board at the top of the third after an RBI single by Allen. Two scoreless innings later, the Manatees would extend their 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth. After a leadoff double by Hutcherson, freshman Madi Schaefer would hit a single to center before Zientek sent a single to left to bring in Hutcherson before LoCastro sent a double to right for a 5-1 SCF lead.
The Lakehawks would bring in one more run after an RBI double by freshman Genesis Aviles to make it 5-2 SCF, but it was all that they could muster together as they pulled away with the win.
Hulme would end up with a no-decision after a scoreless inning with one strikeout.
LoCastro would end up 3-2 on the year after throwing six innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts. LoCastro was also 2-for-3 with an RBI. LoCastro would end up finishing 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI in the series.
Doolittle would fall two 0-2 after four and a third, giving up five runs on eight hits with five walks and one strikeout, while freshman Skyler Gill threw one and two-third scoreless innings.
Aside from LoCastro, Lightbody (2-for-4), Hutcherson (2-for-3) and Zientek (2-for-2) each two hits and an RBI. Lightbody added a stolen base, while Hutcherson and Zientek each added a walk. at the end of the series, Lightbody finished 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Hutcherson finished 3-for-6 with a run scored and an RBI and Zientek went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.
Schafer (1-for-3, one run scored) had the team's final hit.
Bryant and Aviles would each go 2-for-3 each with Aviles adding one RBI. Bryant finished 4-for-6 on the series.
Notes:
Schuerman earned career wins 191 and 192 and needs eight to reach 200 wins in her career.
Up Next:
The Manatees remain at home for the next six games as they welcome a pair of Midwest teams to the SCF Softball Complex, Oakland CC and Kalamazoo Valley CC. The Manatees will play Oakland CC Saturday afternoon, February 29 at noon and 2 pm before playing Kalamazoo Valley CC Monday late afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm.
SCF Softball Readies for LSSC
The SCF softball team (12-8) returns home to the SCF Softball Complex for a eight-game homestead as they start it off with a doubleheader against Lake Sumter State (13-9) Thursday night, February 27 at 5 and 7 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a sweep over Palm Beach State where they won by scores of 3-0 and 9-6. It was officially the last time the Manatees will play PBSC as they are cutting their softball program for women's soccer. The Panthers softball program was around for 45 years.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue to bring speed for the Manatees. Lightbody is currently batting .444 with eight RBI, while Salazar is batting .436 with four RBI. Both each have eight stolen bases. In the series against PBSC, Lightbody finished 4-for-7 with an RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base while Salazar finished the 6-for-8 with three runs scored and a stolen base.
Freshman Maddie Koczersut is their predominant main strong bat as she is batting .333 with three home runs and 17 RBI. Koczersut was 3-for-7 with five RBI in the series against PBSC. In fact, Koczersut has had an RBI in four straight games.
On the mound, freshman Ally Hulme is 5-3 with a 3.43 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Hulme pitched in the second game where she threw four innings and gave up six runs and struck out six batters.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 3-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 30 strikeouts. Zientek pitched in the second game where she threw three scoreless innings of relief with one strikeout.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro is 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA and 15 strikeouts while batting .188 with eight RBI. LoCastro threw a two-hit shutout with three strikeouts in the first game against PBSC.
Scouting Lake Sumter:
The Lakehawks are coming off of a split against Polk State winning game one 9-1 via mercy rule before losing game two by a score of 5-0.
Sophomore Nicole Smith leads the team batting .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI, while classmate Casey Allen is batting .464 with 16 RBI and 14 stolen bases.
On the mound, sophomore Brandi Davis is 7-0 with a 2.94 ERA, one save and 14 strikeouts. Davis threw a five inning complete game against Polk State with two strikeouts.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees hold a 25-2 overall record against the Lakehawks, which includes the sweep earlier in the season for the Manatees (2/13) by a score of 7-5 and 5-2. The Lakehawks' last win was on February 16, 2017 where they defeated SCF 12-8.
How to Stay Up to Date:
Livestats will be available for the doubleheader on GameChanger.
Fans can also keep up on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
Lake Sumter: @LSSCSoftball
Livestats Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a sweep over Palm Beach State where they won by scores of 3-0 and 9-6. It was officially the last time the Manatees will play PBSC as they are cutting their softball program for women's soccer. The Panthers softball program was around for 45 years.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue to bring speed for the Manatees. Lightbody is currently batting .444 with eight RBI, while Salazar is batting .436 with four RBI. Both each have eight stolen bases. In the series against PBSC, Lightbody finished 4-for-7 with an RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base while Salazar finished the 6-for-8 with three runs scored and a stolen base.
Freshman Maddie Koczersut is their predominant main strong bat as she is batting .333 with three home runs and 17 RBI. Koczersut was 3-for-7 with five RBI in the series against PBSC. In fact, Koczersut has had an RBI in four straight games.
On the mound, freshman Ally Hulme is 5-3 with a 3.43 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Hulme pitched in the second game where she threw four innings and gave up six runs and struck out six batters.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 3-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 30 strikeouts. Zientek pitched in the second game where she threw three scoreless innings of relief with one strikeout.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro is 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA and 15 strikeouts while batting .188 with eight RBI. LoCastro threw a two-hit shutout with three strikeouts in the first game against PBSC.
Scouting Lake Sumter:
The Lakehawks are coming off of a split against Polk State winning game one 9-1 via mercy rule before losing game two by a score of 5-0.
Sophomore Nicole Smith leads the team batting .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI, while classmate Casey Allen is batting .464 with 16 RBI and 14 stolen bases.
On the mound, sophomore Brandi Davis is 7-0 with a 2.94 ERA, one save and 14 strikeouts. Davis threw a five inning complete game against Polk State with two strikeouts.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees hold a 25-2 overall record against the Lakehawks, which includes the sweep earlier in the season for the Manatees (2/13) by a score of 7-5 and 5-2. The Lakehawks' last win was on February 16, 2017 where they defeated SCF 12-8.
How to Stay Up to Date:
Livestats will be available for the doubleheader on GameChanger.
Fans can also keep up on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
Lake Sumter: @LSSCSoftball
Livestats Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
SCF SB Finalizes Series Over PBSC
The SCF softball team (12-8) claimed their final series with Palm Beach State (2-18) on the road as they swept both games winning 3-0 in the first game and 9-6 in the second. With the final sweep, the Manatees are now 22-1 against the Panthers.
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while PBSC head coach Heather Horning sent freshman Haley Kadur to counter.
After going scoreless the first two innings, the Manatees would get on the board first at the top of the third after a two-out RBI single by freshman Maddie Koczersut brought in classmate Emily Hughes for a 1-0 SCF lead.
Meanwhile, LoCastro continued to fight and keep the Panthers from getting any form of offense with the exception of the bottom of the second and sixth inning being her toughest innings.
At the top of the seventh, the Manatees decided to add some insurance to their score beginning with a leadoff single by freshman Samantha Hampton. Two at-bats later, freshman Lilly Salazar would hit a single of her own before Koczersut would send a double to center and send Hampton and Salazar home for a 3-0 SCF lead before LoCastro closed the door for the win.
LoCastro would earn her second win of the season after the two-hit shutout while walking two batters and striking out three. LoCastro is now 2-2 on the season.
Kadur would be dubbed with eighth loss of the season after giving up all three runs on nine hits with three walks and two strikeouts and going 1-for-3 at the plate.
Salazar led the Manatees in hitting as she went 3-for-4 with a run scored, while Koczersut was 2-for-4 with all three RBI.
Hughes, Hampton and freshman Lauren Lightbody had the teams other lone hits.
Aside from Kadur's hit, freshman Shelby Williams had the Panther's other hit.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Horning sent redshirt freshman Emily Sheppard to counter.
Shockingly, the Panthers would take a four-run lead after an RBI single by freshman Kiersten Adams and a base clearing double by sophomore Destiny Cornelius.
After being unable to answer in the second inning, the third inning proved to be the calling card for the Manatees. After Hughes and LoCastro were both hit by pitch back-to-back, Hughes stole third before Horning decided to pull Sheppard and send Kadur to the mound to pitch. Freshman Madi Schaefer would then send Hughes home on a groundout. After Lightbody and Salazar hit back-to-back singles to load the bases, Koczersut would get hit by a pitch and send LoCastro home.
Sophomore Madelyn Graham would then draw a base-loaded walk to send Lightbody home to make it 4-3 still in favor of PBSC before freshman Lauren Hutcherson tied the game at 4-4 with a sacrifice fly to send Salazar home. Sophomore Ashlee Zientek would then send Graham home with a single to center to give the Manatees a 5-4 lead before ending the top half.
At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would add some insurance runs to their score beginning with back-to-back one-out singles by Lightbody and Salazar before Lightbody scored on a fielding error. Koczersut would then hit a single to center and send Salazar home for a 7-4 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would add two final runs to their score starting with leadoff double off the bat of Zientek. After Hughes laid a sacrifice bunt to send Zientek to third, LoCastro would send Zientek home with an RBI double before Lightbody sent LoCastro home with a single to center for a 9-4 SCF lead.
The Panthers would try to answer back with two-RBI double by freshman Gabby Renner, but Zientek, who came in relief for Hulme, would close the door for the final three innings for another SCF win.
Hulme would be credited with her fifth win of the season after giving up six runs (five earned) on five hits, walking five batters and striking out six in four innings. Hulme is now 5-2 on the year.
Zientek threw three scoreless innings of relief, giving up one hit, walking three batters and striking out one, while going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Sheppard would be credited with a no-decision after giving up two runs in two hitless innings. Kadur was dubbed with the loss after giving up three runs on three hits with one walk in two-thirds of an inning. Kadur is now 1-9 on the season. Freshman Emily Smith gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 4.1 innings.
Lightbody and Salazar were each 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Lightbody added an RBI. Salazar finished the 6-for-8 with three runs scored and a stolen base, while Lightbody finished 4-for-7 with an RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base.
Koczersut finished 1-for-3 with two RBI in game two and 3-for-7 with five RBI in the series.
LoCastro finished 1-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
Adams would be the only Panther with a multi-hit game as she was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Cornelius and Renner each had one hit and a multi-RBI game (Cornelius: three RBI; Renner: two RBI).
Notes:
Wins 11 and 12 were Schuerman's 188th and 189th career wins and needs 11 wins to reach 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees.
This is officially the last time that SCF will play Palm Beach in a series as the Panthers are ending their softball program and replacing it with women's soccer following the 2020-21 school year.
Up Next:
The Manatees will have a eight-game homestead at the SCF Softball Complex as they open it with a doubleheader against Lake Sumter (13-9) Thursday night, February 27 at 5 and 7 pm
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while PBSC head coach Heather Horning sent freshman Haley Kadur to counter.
After going scoreless the first two innings, the Manatees would get on the board first at the top of the third after a two-out RBI single by freshman Maddie Koczersut brought in classmate Emily Hughes for a 1-0 SCF lead.
Meanwhile, LoCastro continued to fight and keep the Panthers from getting any form of offense with the exception of the bottom of the second and sixth inning being her toughest innings.
At the top of the seventh, the Manatees decided to add some insurance to their score beginning with a leadoff single by freshman Samantha Hampton. Two at-bats later, freshman Lilly Salazar would hit a single of her own before Koczersut would send a double to center and send Hampton and Salazar home for a 3-0 SCF lead before LoCastro closed the door for the win.
LoCastro would earn her second win of the season after the two-hit shutout while walking two batters and striking out three. LoCastro is now 2-2 on the season.
Kadur would be dubbed with eighth loss of the season after giving up all three runs on nine hits with three walks and two strikeouts and going 1-for-3 at the plate.
Salazar led the Manatees in hitting as she went 3-for-4 with a run scored, while Koczersut was 2-for-4 with all three RBI.
Hughes, Hampton and freshman Lauren Lightbody had the teams other lone hits.
Aside from Kadur's hit, freshman Shelby Williams had the Panther's other hit.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Horning sent redshirt freshman Emily Sheppard to counter.
Shockingly, the Panthers would take a four-run lead after an RBI single by freshman Kiersten Adams and a base clearing double by sophomore Destiny Cornelius.
After being unable to answer in the second inning, the third inning proved to be the calling card for the Manatees. After Hughes and LoCastro were both hit by pitch back-to-back, Hughes stole third before Horning decided to pull Sheppard and send Kadur to the mound to pitch. Freshman Madi Schaefer would then send Hughes home on a groundout. After Lightbody and Salazar hit back-to-back singles to load the bases, Koczersut would get hit by a pitch and send LoCastro home.
Sophomore Madelyn Graham would then draw a base-loaded walk to send Lightbody home to make it 4-3 still in favor of PBSC before freshman Lauren Hutcherson tied the game at 4-4 with a sacrifice fly to send Salazar home. Sophomore Ashlee Zientek would then send Graham home with a single to center to give the Manatees a 5-4 lead before ending the top half.
At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would add some insurance runs to their score beginning with back-to-back one-out singles by Lightbody and Salazar before Lightbody scored on a fielding error. Koczersut would then hit a single to center and send Salazar home for a 7-4 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would add two final runs to their score starting with leadoff double off the bat of Zientek. After Hughes laid a sacrifice bunt to send Zientek to third, LoCastro would send Zientek home with an RBI double before Lightbody sent LoCastro home with a single to center for a 9-4 SCF lead.
The Panthers would try to answer back with two-RBI double by freshman Gabby Renner, but Zientek, who came in relief for Hulme, would close the door for the final three innings for another SCF win.
Hulme would be credited with her fifth win of the season after giving up six runs (five earned) on five hits, walking five batters and striking out six in four innings. Hulme is now 5-2 on the year.
Zientek threw three scoreless innings of relief, giving up one hit, walking three batters and striking out one, while going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Sheppard would be credited with a no-decision after giving up two runs in two hitless innings. Kadur was dubbed with the loss after giving up three runs on three hits with one walk in two-thirds of an inning. Kadur is now 1-9 on the season. Freshman Emily Smith gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 4.1 innings.
Lightbody and Salazar were each 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Lightbody added an RBI. Salazar finished the 6-for-8 with three runs scored and a stolen base, while Lightbody finished 4-for-7 with an RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base.
Koczersut finished 1-for-3 with two RBI in game two and 3-for-7 with five RBI in the series.
LoCastro finished 1-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
Adams would be the only Panther with a multi-hit game as she was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Cornelius and Renner each had one hit and a multi-RBI game (Cornelius: three RBI; Renner: two RBI).
Notes:
Wins 11 and 12 were Schuerman's 188th and 189th career wins and needs 11 wins to reach 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees.
This is officially the last time that SCF will play Palm Beach in a series as the Panthers are ending their softball program and replacing it with women's soccer following the 2020-21 school year.
Up Next:
The Manatees will have a eight-game homestead at the SCF Softball Complex as they open it with a doubleheader against Lake Sumter (13-9) Thursday night, February 27 at 5 and 7 pm
SCF Softball Splits at Seminole Tournament
The SCF softball team (10-8) were able to pull away with a split as they fell to Pensacola State (14-2) 6-2 before defeating Daytona State (5-11) 14-6 in six innings at Boombah Soldiers Creek in Seminole, Florida. With the split, the Manatees are now 1-3 against the Pirates and 7-2 against the Falcons (2012-present).
SCF vs Pensacola State:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Ashlee Zientek to the mound, while Pensacola head coach Lyndsey Angus sent freshman Tori Fletcher to counter.
The Manatees would take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second after freshman Maddie Koczersut sent classmate Kristin Kopp home with a triple before scoring on an RBI groundout by Zientek.
After that, the Pirates buckled Zientek after Fletcher had an RBI groundout at the top of the third and freshman Ellie Hansen hit an RBI triple to tie the game at 2-2. The top of the sixth, the Pirates would take advantage of an opportunity as they scored four runs to get the win.
Zientek would be dubbed with the loss after giving up six runs (three earned) on six hits with four walks and six strikeouts in a complete game. Zientek is now 3-3 on the year. Zientek was also 1-for-3 with a single.
Fletcher would end up with her fifth win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits while walking three and striking out one. Fletcher was also 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Freshman Lilly Salazar would be the only Manatee against Pensacola with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-4, while Koczersut, Kopp and classmate Lauren Lightbody had a hit each.
Freshman Monique Poitevin was 2-for-4 with a run scored. She was the only Pirate with a multi-hit game. Hansen and classmate Susanna Soldi were 1-for-3 with two RBI each.
SCF vs Daytona:
Hoping to bounce back, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Daytona State head coach Keli Harrell sent sophomore Ashley Greene.
Hulme was starting to struggle in the first inning after giving up four runs after an RBI doubles by sophomore Giavonna Auricchio and freshman Kelly Montilla for a 4-0 Daytona lead. This would signal the end for Hulme as Schuerman would send freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound to get out of the inning in success.
In the bottom of the first, the Manatees were able to get on the board after an RBI single by Koczersut brought in Salazar to make it 4-1 DSC before freshman Lauren Hutcherson brought in Hampton to make it 4-2 DSC.
In the bottom of the second, the Manatees shook out the cobwebs and bring the sparks that they needed beginning with a leadoff single by freshman Madi Schaefer. After classmate Emily Hughes reached base on a sacrifice attempt and Lightbody singled to load the bases, Salazar would cut the Falcons lead to one after an RBI single to bring in Schaefer made it 4-3 Daytona State. After Hampton popped out, Koczersut would tie the game and bring in Hughes with an after being hit by a pitch to make it 4-4. With the bases still loaded, sophomore Madi LoCastro would spark the Manatees offense on a 2-2 count with a single to right to send Lightbody and Salazar home to make it 6-4 SCF. Hutcherson would then reach base on a fielding error to send Koczersut home for a 7-4 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would pull together a few runs to help their lead. After Hughes reached first on a fielding and Salazar and Hampton hit back-to-back one singles, Koczersut would show her offensive dominance and send Hughes and Salazar home to make it 9-4 SCF before Hampton was called out at third.
At the top of the fourth, the Falcons were able to get another run on the board after an RBI double by freshman ALeeah Ashmeal and an RBI single by sophomore Kialey Hogue, but the Manatees would answer back more aggressively. At the bottom of the fourth, after a leadoff triple by Hutcherson, Kopp would send a infield single to right to send Hutcherson home for a 10-6 SCF lead before Koczersut in the bottom of the fifth would send her third home run of the season to center for a 11-6 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Manatees decided to seal the deal for the mercy win. After a leadoff double by Hutcherson and a one-out single by Schaefer, sophomore Madelyn Graham, who was in a recent drought, came in to pinch hit for Hughes. On a 3-1 count, the Bartow native would send a single to right and bring in Hutcherson before Hughes reentered the game as a pinch runner. Lightbody would then hit a double to center and bring in Schaefer for Salazar. With a 1-2 count in her sight, the Wauchula native would send an infield single to short and bring in Hughes for the game.
Hulme would earn a no-decision after giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits with with one walk in a third of an inning.
Hampton would be credited with the win after giving up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings. Hampton was also 2-for-4 with a run scored. Hampton is now 2-2 on the season.
LoCastro threw two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts, while going 1-for-4 with two RBI.
Greene would be dubbed with the loss after giving up nine runs (five earned) on 11 hits with one walk and two strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings.
Ashmeal gave up five runs on eight hits in two and two-thirds innings. Ashmeal was also 1-for-2 with an RBI.
Koczersut was the hero offensively for the Manatees as she went 3-for-3 with a home run and five RBI.
Salazar and Schaefer also had three hits each. Salazar (3-for-5) added two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base, while Schaefer added two runs scored.
Lightbody (2-for-4, one RBI and one run scored), Hutcherson (2-for-4, one RBI and two runs scored) and Kopp (2-for-4, one RBI) all had two hits and an RBI each.
Hogue was the only Falcon with a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Montilla was 1-for-3 with three RBI and was the only Falcon with a multi-RBI game.
Up Next:
The Manatees remain on the road as they travel to Palm Beach to take on Palm Beach State (2-16) Tuesday afternoon, February 25 at 3 and 5 pm. The Manatees played the Panthers earlier in the season (2/17) winning by scores of 4-0 and 13-0.
SCF vs Pensacola State:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Ashlee Zientek to the mound, while Pensacola head coach Lyndsey Angus sent freshman Tori Fletcher to counter.
The Manatees would take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second after freshman Maddie Koczersut sent classmate Kristin Kopp home with a triple before scoring on an RBI groundout by Zientek.
After that, the Pirates buckled Zientek after Fletcher had an RBI groundout at the top of the third and freshman Ellie Hansen hit an RBI triple to tie the game at 2-2. The top of the sixth, the Pirates would take advantage of an opportunity as they scored four runs to get the win.
Zientek would be dubbed with the loss after giving up six runs (three earned) on six hits with four walks and six strikeouts in a complete game. Zientek is now 3-3 on the year. Zientek was also 1-for-3 with a single.
Fletcher would end up with her fifth win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits while walking three and striking out one. Fletcher was also 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Freshman Lilly Salazar would be the only Manatee against Pensacola with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-4, while Koczersut, Kopp and classmate Lauren Lightbody had a hit each.
Freshman Monique Poitevin was 2-for-4 with a run scored. She was the only Pirate with a multi-hit game. Hansen and classmate Susanna Soldi were 1-for-3 with two RBI each.
SCF vs Daytona:
Hoping to bounce back, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Daytona State head coach Keli Harrell sent sophomore Ashley Greene.
Hulme was starting to struggle in the first inning after giving up four runs after an RBI doubles by sophomore Giavonna Auricchio and freshman Kelly Montilla for a 4-0 Daytona lead. This would signal the end for Hulme as Schuerman would send freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound to get out of the inning in success.
In the bottom of the first, the Manatees were able to get on the board after an RBI single by Koczersut brought in Salazar to make it 4-1 DSC before freshman Lauren Hutcherson brought in Hampton to make it 4-2 DSC.
In the bottom of the second, the Manatees shook out the cobwebs and bring the sparks that they needed beginning with a leadoff single by freshman Madi Schaefer. After classmate Emily Hughes reached base on a sacrifice attempt and Lightbody singled to load the bases, Salazar would cut the Falcons lead to one after an RBI single to bring in Schaefer made it 4-3 Daytona State. After Hampton popped out, Koczersut would tie the game and bring in Hughes with an after being hit by a pitch to make it 4-4. With the bases still loaded, sophomore Madi LoCastro would spark the Manatees offense on a 2-2 count with a single to right to send Lightbody and Salazar home to make it 6-4 SCF. Hutcherson would then reach base on a fielding error to send Koczersut home for a 7-4 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would pull together a few runs to help their lead. After Hughes reached first on a fielding and Salazar and Hampton hit back-to-back one singles, Koczersut would show her offensive dominance and send Hughes and Salazar home to make it 9-4 SCF before Hampton was called out at third.
At the top of the fourth, the Falcons were able to get another run on the board after an RBI double by freshman ALeeah Ashmeal and an RBI single by sophomore Kialey Hogue, but the Manatees would answer back more aggressively. At the bottom of the fourth, after a leadoff triple by Hutcherson, Kopp would send a infield single to right to send Hutcherson home for a 10-6 SCF lead before Koczersut in the bottom of the fifth would send her third home run of the season to center for a 11-6 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Manatees decided to seal the deal for the mercy win. After a leadoff double by Hutcherson and a one-out single by Schaefer, sophomore Madelyn Graham, who was in a recent drought, came in to pinch hit for Hughes. On a 3-1 count, the Bartow native would send a single to right and bring in Hutcherson before Hughes reentered the game as a pinch runner. Lightbody would then hit a double to center and bring in Schaefer for Salazar. With a 1-2 count in her sight, the Wauchula native would send an infield single to short and bring in Hughes for the game.
Hulme would earn a no-decision after giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits with with one walk in a third of an inning.
Hampton would be credited with the win after giving up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings. Hampton was also 2-for-4 with a run scored. Hampton is now 2-2 on the season.
LoCastro threw two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts, while going 1-for-4 with two RBI.
Greene would be dubbed with the loss after giving up nine runs (five earned) on 11 hits with one walk and two strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings.
Ashmeal gave up five runs on eight hits in two and two-thirds innings. Ashmeal was also 1-for-2 with an RBI.
Koczersut was the hero offensively for the Manatees as she went 3-for-3 with a home run and five RBI.
Salazar and Schaefer also had three hits each. Salazar (3-for-5) added two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base, while Schaefer added two runs scored.
Lightbody (2-for-4, one RBI and one run scored), Hutcherson (2-for-4, one RBI and two runs scored) and Kopp (2-for-4, one RBI) all had two hits and an RBI each.
Hogue was the only Falcon with a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Montilla was 1-for-3 with three RBI and was the only Falcon with a multi-RBI game.
Up Next:
The Manatees remain on the road as they travel to Palm Beach to take on Palm Beach State (2-16) Tuesday afternoon, February 25 at 3 and 5 pm. The Manatees played the Panthers earlier in the season (2/17) winning by scores of 4-0 and 13-0.
Lakewood Ranch Quartet Leads SCF to Sweep vs PBSC
The Lakewood Ranch quartet of sophomore Madi LoCastro and freshmen Emily Hughes, Madi Schaefer and Maddie Koczersut put their hard work into both games as the SCF softball team (9-5) pulled away with their second home series sweep at the SCF Softball Complex over Palm Beach State (2-16) by scores of 4-0 and 13-0 (5). With the wins, the Manatees are now 20-1 (2012-present) against the Panthers.
"I think any win is a step in the positive direction where you want to go," said head coach Mandy Schuerman. "I try to take one pitch and one inning at a time and try to win each game as they come through."
"It felt really good to get a good win, especially at home and in front of our amazing fans," said LoCastro. "Ally (Hulme) and Ashlee (Zientek) pitched really well to set the tone. Our bats in the second game were really good. It was good win and I think it's gonna make us better step by step and we definitely really improved today."
"I think the sweep after Saturday's sweep was good back-to-back wins for us," said Hughes. "And it's gonna set a good tone for us to keep on winning for the season."
"I think it was really fun, the crowd was really crazy," said Schaefer. "They were all talking and cheering which really set the tone for the game and I think we made great adjustments individually on the field and at the plate and we really played well as a team today."
Game One:
For game one, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound, while PBSC head coach Heather Horning sent freshman Haley Kadur to counter.
While Hulme breezed through the first inning, it didn't take long for the Manatees to score first when freshman Samantha Hampton grounded out to send Hughes for the first run of the game. In the bottom of the second, freshman Kristin Kopp LoCastro home on a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 SCF lead.
While the Manatees were holding onto the lead, Hulme was doing her job on the mound. When she was in a bases loaded jam in the fourth inning after walking two batters and giving up a single, the Tampa native was able to get out of hit thanks to strong defense from the team. In the four innings, Hulme had four strikeouts.
In the fifth and sixth inning, the Manatees added two more runs to their when sophomore Madelyn Graham reached on a fielding error to send Hampton home and Koczersut sent Hampton home on an RBI double before being called out trying to stretch it into a triple. In the final frame of the game, Hulme was able to pull through it for a 1-2-3 quick inning for the win.
Hulme would earn her fourth win of the season after throwing a one-hit shutout while walking three and striking out five. Hulme is now 4-2 on the year.
Kadur would be credited with her seventh loss of the season after giving up two runs on five hits with three walks and one strikeout in four innings. Sophomore Destiny Cornelius gave up two runs on four hits in two innings.
Koczersut finished 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base, while Hampton finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI.
LoCastro, Kopp (one RBI) and freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lauren Hutcherson (one stolen base) had the teams other lone hits. Hughes and freshman added a stolen base.
Freshman Kiersten Adams had the Panthers lone hit off of Hulme.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent sophomore Ashlee Zientek to the mound while Horning sent Kadur back to the mound for another try.
Once again, the Manatees would begin the onslaught of scoring that began with a one out solo blast off the bat of Hughes for her first collegiate home run of the year.
"It was really good," said Hughes on hitting her first home run. "I was just looking for my pitch and it was inside and it felt great for my first home run."
After Hughes' home run, Hutcherson would hit a single before Hampton drew a walk to put two runners on base for LoCastro. On a 1-1 count, LoCastro would send a double to right center to bring in Hutcherson and Hughes home for a 3-0 SCF lead. The Manatees would add a fourth run in the bottom of the second after Lightbody scored on a fielding error for a 4-0 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees continued to show no mercy on the Panthers. After Kopp and Zientek drew back-to-back walks, Schaefer would send a single to left to bring in Kopp. After Lightbody flew out, Hughes would send a double to center to send Zientek and Schaefer home for a 7-0 SCF lead.
Yet it did not stop the Manatees from their blowout as Hughes would then score after Hampton reached base on a fielding error. After Koczersut was hit by a pitch, LoCastro would send Hampton home with a single right for a 9-0 SCF lead as the Manatees batted around with Kopp drawing a walk.
On a full count, Zientek made her move as she hit a double to center to send LoCastro and Kopp home for a 12-0 SCF lead. The Manatees would add one more run to the board after Schaefer hit a pop fly to reach base on an error and bring in Zientek home for a 13-0 SCF lead to set up the mercy rule.
After the Manatees onslaught, Zientek had no problem getting out of the inning for the win as she was able to strikeout her final two batters after giving up a leadoff double.
Zientek would go to 4-2 on the season after a two-hit five inning shutout with six strikeouts. Zientek was also 1-for-2 at the plate with two RBI, two runs scored and a walk.
Kadur would end up with her eighth loss of the season after giving up seven runs (six earned) on four hits with two walks.
Cornelius gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits with in two and a third innings.
Sophomore McKenzie Bush gave up four runs (two earned) on two hits with one walk in two-thirds of an inning.
LoCastro, Hughes, and Schaefer each went 2-for-3 in the game with LoCastro and Hughes each getting three RBI, while Schaefer added one RBI. LoCastro finished 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored in the series, while Hughes finished 2-for-6 with a home run, three RBI, a stolen base, a walk and three runs scored.
"I haven't been really doing the best of my ability at the plate this season," said LoCastro on her performance. "I think this was a really good step to improvement. I was definitely seeing the ball and just kind of putting what I do in practice into the game and applying myself."
"I haven't been performing really well," said Schaefer on her performance. "Today, I came in with a clear mind and tried to set a better tone for myself and it worked."
Hutcherson had the team final lone hit as she went 1-for-4 with a run scored and 2-for-7 with two runs scored, two walks and a stolen base in the series.
Adams and freshman Hayle Gunter had the teams only two hits of the game.
Notes:
The two wins for Schuerman put her at 186 in her career as head coach for the Manatees. She needs 14 to reach 200 wins as head coach.
This was the last home series that the Manatees got to play Palm Beach State and I have to say even after 45 years of softball there, I have the utmost greatest amount of respect for coach Horning and the team and I wish PBSC the best of luck for the rest of the season.
Up Next:
The Manatees will return on the road as they travel to Ocala to take on Central Florida (15-0) Tuesday afternoon, February 18 at 2 and 4 pm. The Patriots are listed at #2 in the nation's top 20 poll.
*Side note: This was the first interviews for Schaefer and Hughes and the first interview for LoCastro as a sophomore.
"I think any win is a step in the positive direction where you want to go," said head coach Mandy Schuerman. "I try to take one pitch and one inning at a time and try to win each game as they come through."
"It felt really good to get a good win, especially at home and in front of our amazing fans," said LoCastro. "Ally (Hulme) and Ashlee (Zientek) pitched really well to set the tone. Our bats in the second game were really good. It was good win and I think it's gonna make us better step by step and we definitely really improved today."
"I think the sweep after Saturday's sweep was good back-to-back wins for us," said Hughes. "And it's gonna set a good tone for us to keep on winning for the season."
"I think it was really fun, the crowd was really crazy," said Schaefer. "They were all talking and cheering which really set the tone for the game and I think we made great adjustments individually on the field and at the plate and we really played well as a team today."
Game One:
For game one, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound, while PBSC head coach Heather Horning sent freshman Haley Kadur to counter.
While Hulme breezed through the first inning, it didn't take long for the Manatees to score first when freshman Samantha Hampton grounded out to send Hughes for the first run of the game. In the bottom of the second, freshman Kristin Kopp LoCastro home on a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 SCF lead.
While the Manatees were holding onto the lead, Hulme was doing her job on the mound. When she was in a bases loaded jam in the fourth inning after walking two batters and giving up a single, the Tampa native was able to get out of hit thanks to strong defense from the team. In the four innings, Hulme had four strikeouts.
In the fifth and sixth inning, the Manatees added two more runs to their when sophomore Madelyn Graham reached on a fielding error to send Hampton home and Koczersut sent Hampton home on an RBI double before being called out trying to stretch it into a triple. In the final frame of the game, Hulme was able to pull through it for a 1-2-3 quick inning for the win.
Hulme would earn her fourth win of the season after throwing a one-hit shutout while walking three and striking out five. Hulme is now 4-2 on the year.
Kadur would be credited with her seventh loss of the season after giving up two runs on five hits with three walks and one strikeout in four innings. Sophomore Destiny Cornelius gave up two runs on four hits in two innings.
Koczersut finished 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base, while Hampton finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI.
LoCastro, Kopp (one RBI) and freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lauren Hutcherson (one stolen base) had the teams other lone hits. Hughes and freshman added a stolen base.
Freshman Kiersten Adams had the Panthers lone hit off of Hulme.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent sophomore Ashlee Zientek to the mound while Horning sent Kadur back to the mound for another try.
Once again, the Manatees would begin the onslaught of scoring that began with a one out solo blast off the bat of Hughes for her first collegiate home run of the year.
"It was really good," said Hughes on hitting her first home run. "I was just looking for my pitch and it was inside and it felt great for my first home run."
After Hughes' home run, Hutcherson would hit a single before Hampton drew a walk to put two runners on base for LoCastro. On a 1-1 count, LoCastro would send a double to right center to bring in Hutcherson and Hughes home for a 3-0 SCF lead. The Manatees would add a fourth run in the bottom of the second after Lightbody scored on a fielding error for a 4-0 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees continued to show no mercy on the Panthers. After Kopp and Zientek drew back-to-back walks, Schaefer would send a single to left to bring in Kopp. After Lightbody flew out, Hughes would send a double to center to send Zientek and Schaefer home for a 7-0 SCF lead.
Yet it did not stop the Manatees from their blowout as Hughes would then score after Hampton reached base on a fielding error. After Koczersut was hit by a pitch, LoCastro would send Hampton home with a single right for a 9-0 SCF lead as the Manatees batted around with Kopp drawing a walk.
On a full count, Zientek made her move as she hit a double to center to send LoCastro and Kopp home for a 12-0 SCF lead. The Manatees would add one more run to the board after Schaefer hit a pop fly to reach base on an error and bring in Zientek home for a 13-0 SCF lead to set up the mercy rule.
After the Manatees onslaught, Zientek had no problem getting out of the inning for the win as she was able to strikeout her final two batters after giving up a leadoff double.
Zientek would go to 4-2 on the season after a two-hit five inning shutout with six strikeouts. Zientek was also 1-for-2 at the plate with two RBI, two runs scored and a walk.
Kadur would end up with her eighth loss of the season after giving up seven runs (six earned) on four hits with two walks.
Cornelius gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits with in two and a third innings.
Sophomore McKenzie Bush gave up four runs (two earned) on two hits with one walk in two-thirds of an inning.
LoCastro, Hughes, and Schaefer each went 2-for-3 in the game with LoCastro and Hughes each getting three RBI, while Schaefer added one RBI. LoCastro finished 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored in the series, while Hughes finished 2-for-6 with a home run, three RBI, a stolen base, a walk and three runs scored.
"I haven't been really doing the best of my ability at the plate this season," said LoCastro on her performance. "I think this was a really good step to improvement. I was definitely seeing the ball and just kind of putting what I do in practice into the game and applying myself."
"I haven't been performing really well," said Schaefer on her performance. "Today, I came in with a clear mind and tried to set a better tone for myself and it worked."
Hutcherson had the team final lone hit as she went 1-for-4 with a run scored and 2-for-7 with two runs scored, two walks and a stolen base in the series.
Adams and freshman Hayle Gunter had the teams only two hits of the game.
Notes:
The two wins for Schuerman put her at 186 in her career as head coach for the Manatees. She needs 14 to reach 200 wins as head coach.
This was the last home series that the Manatees got to play Palm Beach State and I have to say even after 45 years of softball there, I have the utmost greatest amount of respect for coach Horning and the team and I wish PBSC the best of luck for the rest of the season.
Up Next:
The Manatees will return on the road as they travel to Ocala to take on Central Florida (15-0) Tuesday afternoon, February 18 at 2 and 4 pm. The Patriots are listed at #2 in the nation's top 20 poll.
*Side note: This was the first interviews for Schaefer and Hughes and the first interview for LoCastro as a sophomore.
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