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Panthers Start With Split

Brian Gjurgevich, Highlands Today

SFCC's Amanda Leiter makes contact on Tuesday during the Panthers' 5-0 victory over Polk CC in Avon Park.

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Highlands Today Staff Report

Published: March 12, 2009

Updated:

AVON PARK - Patience at the plate paid dividends for the South Florida Community College softball team on Tuesday night, as the Panthers earned a split in their Suncoast Conference-opening series with a 5-0 victory over Polk CC.

The Vikings took the first game 5-1, but SFCC coach Carlos Falla said his team adjusted at the plate and took advantage of a night in which they made just one error over two games.

"We just decided to swing at good pitches," Falla said. "We didn't chase stuff out of the zone. We hit it to theright when we they pitched us outside and pulled it to left when they went inside - it's being disciplined, swinging at the good ones and letting the bad ones go."

Sophomore Cassady Faircloth starred at the plate in both games, as she and fellow sophomore Kayla Cross each had two-RBI doubles to pace the Panther offense.

"We had the patience to let the ball go into the zone," Falla said. "You have to let it get there, you can't go after it."

Sophomore infielder Megan Randolph and Robbielyn Roberson added hits for SFCC, which is 1-1 in conference play after seemingly getting over what plagued them early in the season - fielding miscues.

"The defense played well," Falla said, noting he's shifted some girls to new positions to mix things up and light a fire under normal starters. "We've moved a lot of people around, and I'd like to get our people back in our normal spots, but they're probably more focused.

"And the defense is tightening up."

Sophomore pitcher Lindsey Andree allowed just three hits and fanned four in the nightcap to pick up the victory.

"She had good control and good movement and put the ball where she needed to," Falla said. "She got pop-ups and ground-outs."

The Panthers are back in action today, when they host Pasco-Hernando CC in a Suncoast Conference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.

Falla said he'd like to see his team remain patient at the plate and think about the situations they face with each at-bat.

"We need to continue being patient," Falla said. "We need to know the situation and what's required when we have runners on third or first and second.

"We just have to realize where we're at and what's expected in each situation. Step back and wait on that pitch and get it in behind the runners - that will help us continue to score more runs."

SFCC SOFTBALL

Upcoming Schedule

TODAY vs. Pasco-Hernando CC,

5 p.m.

SATURDAY at Central Florida CC,

1 p.m.

TUESDAY at Hillsborough CC,

5 p.m.

MARCH 19 vs. Manatee CC,

5 p.m.

Brian Gjurgevich can be reached at 863-386-5841 or bgjurgevich@highlandstoday.com.

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