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Streaks Set To Defend Softball Title

Chris Hoffman/Highlands Today

Sebring sophomore Wendy Negrin is one of the best catchers in the district, with a cannon arm and great instincts for the position.

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By Christopher  Hoffman | Highlands Today

Published: February 6, 2008

SEBRING – Senior second baseman Sami Lower and pitcher Melissa Luke smiled and exchanged hi-fives with the sort of exuberance that carried across the field.

"I love coming out to the field every day," Lower said. "There is a bond on this team that I believe gives us an edge over a lot of teams. We're always there to lift the other teammate up and give them that boost when they need it."

Lower and the rest of the defending Class 4A-District 10 champion Sebring softball team battle through practice like it's game time – but they never forget to smile.

Sebring pitcher Niki Helms kids with Lower and her other teammates, all the while hurling a fastball into catcher Wendy Negrin's glove.

Negrin, a sophomore who transferred from Miami last year, turned heads as a freshman by winning the starting catcher's position, but she can't say enough about the team's ace.

"[Niki's] got great stuff," Negrin said. "She's got great movement and location on her pitches. One of the best I've played with and I've played with some good pitchers already."

Helms' arm is just one of the factors leading into the 2008 season that Sebring head coach Lee Tolar has to consider, as the Blue Streaks take the field in defense of their title.

"We lost five seniors from last year's team but we've got girls pegged into most of the positions, and we haven't missed a beat," the SHS coach said. "The way this team is practicing and playing now, I'll go up against anybody."

Tolar praised his team's work ethic despite missing three potential starters – Priscilla Adams, Chelsea Davis and Hannah Shoop – who are still playing basketball for the Blue Streaks.

Many girls played out of position and gained valuable game experience in the preseason tournament in Moore Haven last week, where Sebring beat perennial playoff contender Glades Day.

"Having these girls play now is really going to pay off come tournament time," Tolar said. "This is one of the deepest teams I've had in a while."

Lower, who is entrenched at second base, is a vocal leader on the field and has earned the respect of her teammates with her spirited play. Recruiters caught her act on the road during travel ball stints in Colorado and in Peru, but it was East Tennessee State that she has recently given a verbal commitment to play for in the fall.

The Sebring senior was all smiles when talking about the Blue Streak catcher that has "born to play this game" stamped on her.

"Wendy was good as a freshman, but she's going to be even better this season," Lower said. "She has such great instincts, almost like she was meant to play this game. Not to mention she's got a gun for an arm."

With three freshman, including soccer standout Amanda Grimaldo, earning starting spots on the team, Sebring has the influx of youth needed to keep the Blue Streaks out of rebuilding mode.

Arch-rival Avon Park and district rival Palmetto are always hurdles that must be dealt with when it comes to defending their crown, but Tolar understands that they can't take anyone lightly.

"In this district, you can't count any team out," Tolar said. "We're confident we have the right pieces in place to defend our title, but it's anybody's game."

But it's the unity that's been handed down from past teams that keeps the Sebring squad hungry for more. The togetherness doesn't end when things get tough. No matter if it's a hug after striking out or a cheer when you hit a home run, these Streaks are playing as one.

"There isn't any other team I'd like to play for," Lower said. "I love this team."

Sebring opened their season on Tuesday against Hardee. For results, see Thursday's Highlands Today.
The Blue Streaks travel to face cross-county rival Lake Placid on Thursday, with their first home game on Friday against Booker in a district match.

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