Ostrander Hurls 1-Hit Gem In Debut With Streaks

SEBRING - Kaitlin Ostrander made sure her high school debut on the softball diamond was a memorable one.

The Sebring freshman overcame nerves and wet conditions and allowed just one hit to go along with seven strikeouts and shortstop Amanda Grimaldo slammed a solo home run as the Blue Streak softball team blanked Lake Placid 10-0 in six innings on Monday night.

Ostrander, a hard-throwing left-hander, handcuffed the Green Dragons on an assortment of pitches and displayed great control, allowing two walks in a game that was played in a constant rain.

"I was a little nervous because it was my first varsity game," said Ostrander. "It was hard to hold on to the ball because of the wet conditions, but I think I did OK.

"There is some pressure because I want to come out and play at a high level, because we have a really good team and I don't want to disappoint anybody."

The win kept the Class 4A Blue Streaks unbeaten at 4-0 on the season, but there are aspects of their game that need to be improved, according to coach Lee Tolar.

"It was pretty rough conditions, but I'm not satisfied and I'm sure the girls aren't satisfied with the way they swung the bats tonight," said Sebring veteran coach Lee Tolar. "Lake Placid played a good game and has really improved.

"Our defense was solid and we're going to keep working to get better."

Sebring got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning as a steady drizzle started to come down.

Melissa Luke reached on a one-out fielders choice, moved to second base on a wild pitch and scored on a double to left-center field by Niki Helms.

Helms advanced to third base on a wild pitch by Lake Placid right-hander Maria Garza, and scored on a ground out by second baseman Sami Lower.

Grimaldo, who went 2-for-3 and is just a freshman, followed with a high, arching drive that sailed far over the left-field fence for a 3-0 lead.

"When I heard the ball hit the bat I knew it was gone," said Tolar. "Amanda had an awesome night, she is a talented athlete with a lot of raw talent and is only going to get better."

Ostrander cruised through the Lake Placid batting order and didn't allow a baserunner until the fourth inning.

"Kaitlin gave us a great effort on the mound and is another freshman with a lot of athletic ability," said Tolar. "She can also swing the bat and I love the fact that she's left-handed."

Sebring, which banged out eight hits, added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings and sealed the win with a five-run sixth inning, capped by Priscilla Adams RBI single.

The loss dropped Class 3A Lake Placid to 0-2 on the season, with both losses coming to Sebring.

"The conditions weren't favorable for anybody, but we played better than the last game against Sebring," said Green Dragon coach Marilyn Jones. "Sebring has a strong team, but we have to hit the ball better than we did tonight.

"Maria gave us a good effort, we were in the game until the last couple of innings and we're going to keep working hard to improve."

Lake Placid is at Moore Haven on Thursday night, while Sebring hosts Booker in a District 10 game at 6:30 on Friday night.