DIXIE BELLES STATE SOFTBALL
Without playing a game this summer, Hernando’s Belles (ages 13-15) All-Stars go into this weekend’s State Championship Tournament with unbridled optimism.
The Belles’ seven-team field consists of Belleview, DeSoto County, Franklin, Mulberry, Ponce DeLeon, West Pasco, and host Hernando in a double-elimination format.
Why would a program that couldn’t get out of districts last year beyond its 1-2 won-lost record, feel so confident a year later?
One reason is HYL’s upbeat skipper Tracy Werner.
“I think we have a lot of talent,” unequivocally states Coach Werner. “We can be very versatile in our attack. We have some pop, some speed and we can play good defense. And if need be, we can play small ball with the best.”
Belles 101
Hernando pins its states hopes on a 12-member roster including: Holly Field, Jordan Stenholm, Shelbie Goodwin, Carrie Heath, Jamie Jernigan, Ashley McKay, Megan Platt, Koryn Rivers, Ann-Marie Rojero, Hailey Royal, Emily Walters and Jessica Werner. Look for Troy McDow and Alan Field to assist Coach Werner.
Coach Werner points out four reasons why he likes his team’s chances beginning Friday.
“Rojero, Rivers, McKay and Jernigan,” insists Coach Werner. “They don’t throw that hard, but those four girls can all throw strikeouts. Everything starts in this sport with pitching.”
On defense, Coach Werner believes he has an excellent blend across the board.
“When we scrimmaged against the Debs, they scored more than three runs against our defense once,” admitted Coach Werner. “We have a very speedy outfield and our infielders have good arms, but they have outstanding range.”
Only at the plate does HYL have questions.
“Honestly, we’re a little behind where I’d like us to be,” explained Coach Werner. “I go back to the cliché, offense wins games and defense wins titles. We’ve concentrated a lot more on our pitching and defense.”
Biggest uncertainty?
“It’s certainly got to be us not facing any live pitching yet,” shrugged Coach Werner. “But we know what we can do. We emphasize to the girls that we’ve got to play our game and that’s to put the bat on the ball.”
What about round one?
“We don’t know who we’re facing yet,” Werner pointed out. “But the first game is crucial. You don’t want to come from behind in the loser’s bracket. That’s almost like playing back-to-back games. The key is to jump out in front early; take what’s presented to us and go from there.”
COMING ATTRACTIONS
WHAT: Dixie Belles (ages 13-15) All-Stars State Championship Tournament.
WHO: Seven-team field: Belleview, DeSoto County, Franklin, Mulberry, Ponce DeLeon, West Pasco, and host Hernando in a double-elimination format.
WHEN: July 3-7.
WHERE: Tom Varn Park Complex, 306 Darby Lane, Brooksville, FL 34601.
AT STAKE: State champion in each of the five age divisions will represent Team Florida in the July 31 Dixie World Series in Sumter, N.C.
Hernando Belles (ages 13-15) Roster
NO. NAME POS.
08 Holly Field CF/SS/C
11 Jordan Stenholm 2B/RF
01 Shelbie Goodwin C/P/UTIL
04 Carrie Heath SS/UTL
09 Jamie Jernigan P/OF
12 Ashley McKay 3B/P
10 Megan Platt C/1B
98 Koryn Rivers SS/P/OF
05 Ann-Marie Rojero P/2B/UTIL
03 Hailey Royal SS/3B/UTIL
07 Emily Walters OF/P/1B
99 Jessica Werner 2B/UTIL/1B
Head Coach – Tracy Werner.
Assistant Coaches – Troy McDow, Alan Field.
Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at 352-544-5278 or reached online at [email protected].
