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Panthers Eye Return Trip To State Tourney

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

From left, former Sebring High players Kristin Salinder, Jessica Cooley, Jean Gose and DeSoto graduate Kayla Cross are hoping to make a contribution to the Panthers in 2008.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: January 22, 2008

AVON PARK –– After qualifying for the state tournament the last two years, the South Florida Community College softball team has one goal –– a return trip.

The Panthers went 35-26 last year and made it to the state junior college semifinals before losing to nemesis Gulf Coast Community College.

Despite returning only five starters, SFCC coach Carlos Falla is optimistic this year's squad can come together to make another trip to state a reality.

"We have a talented team with a lot of potential," the fourth-year Panther coach said. "The girls worked hard during the fall and have bought in to what we are trying to teach them. "We are much different from last year with a lot more team speed and a good hitting lineup from top to bottom.

"We should be an exciting team to watch."

SFCC lost ace pitcher Casey Barrett, but sophomore left-hander Addie Tallman moves into that role.

"Addie is a power pitcher and had a phenomenal fall," said Falla. "She is our ace and has the ability to blow the ball by any hitter."

Freshmen right-handers Lindsey Andree and Caitlin Houk will also be counted on to eat up some innings.

"Caitlin has excellent location and ball movement, while Lindsey features a lot of off-speed pitches," Falla said. "We have a nice combination of pitchers and that should make it difficult for our opponents to get dialed in at the plate."

Sophomore Franki Grimes gives the Panthers a left-handed power-hitting first baseman, while sophomore Nicole Rose also plays at first base and is more of a contact hitter.

"Franki has a lot of power from the left side and is solid in the field," the Panther coach said. "Nicole puts the ball in play and is another good glove."

Two junior college transfers are making a bid at starting in the infield.

Tiffany Munz, who transferred from St. Petersburg Community College, has looked good at shortstop, while Kayla Finney from Kansas has been solid at second base.

Sophomore left-fielder Belle Campbell gives SFCC another potent bat, while former Sebring High standout sophomore Jean Gose adds speed to the outfield.

"Belle is a clutch power hitter who did really well at the state tournament for us last year," said Falla. "Jean has excellent speed in the outfield and on the bases and is a threat to score any time she gets on base."

Freshmen Norma Luna and Lauren Ware are doing the bulk of the catching, while Lora Helton and Cassidy Faircloth provide valuable depth in the outfield and infield.

SFCC has more local players on the roster than in the past.

Besides Gose, former Blue Streak players Jessica Cooley and Kristin Salinder are looking for playing time as is DeSoto graduate Kayla Cross.

The new-look Panthers open the season on Feb. 2 at the Triple Crown tournament in Melbourne, while their first home game is against Santa Fe Community College on Feb. 17.

"Being a two-year school we're always going to have players coming and going," said Falla. "Hopefully, the word is out about our program and what we're trying to do here at SFCC.

"We're in a very competitive conference, but we want to improve on last year, and if we stay healthy and the ball bounces our way, I think we have the talent to do that."

Panthers Eye Return Trip To State Tourney

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