TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pinellas News

Softball: PHU Edges East Lake, Wins 5A-9 Title

HURRICANES 3, EAGLES 0

Eric Horchy/SUNCOAST

Palm Harbor right fielder Lindsey Fenlon lays down a bunt in the first inning.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: April 23, 2009

CLEARWATER - A three-run fifth inning lifted Palm Harbor University to its sixth district title in nine years Thursday night by taking out Class 5A, District 9 rival East Lake, 3-0.

The game-sealing frame started when Courtney O'Connell and Nadia Rahman reached base on errors to start the rally. Two batters later, right fielder Lindsey Fenlon drove in the first run with a single through the right side of the infield. Shortstop Madison O'Brien followed immediately with a two-RBI double to left-center field that reached the wall, but was thrown out at third trying to stretch the hit.

PHU head coach Chuck Poetter spoke afterward about what the latest championship meant to this team.

"I tried to downplay it beforehand because I've got so many young kids in crucial spots and I didn't want them to tighten up. But (the win) is important, I can't lie. I wanted my seniors to get another home game."

The Lady Eagles nearly struck first just a half inning before PHU's offensive outburst.

Catcher Kelsey Oonk and right fielder Amanda Weaver led the inning off with back-to-back singles to the right side. After Alicia Welsh popped up a bunt attempt to first base, Alyssa Weaver was hit by the first pitch she saw to load the bases with only one down.

The next sequence would be one that East Lake would like a do-over on, though. Sarah Schutz lifted a ball to shallow center for the second out and East Lake's pinch runner at third took off for home, only to be gunned down by Laura Herndon by a good 10 feet.

PHU freshman pitcher Taylor Sabol earned the win by pitching a complete game, seven-hit shutout.

"Taylor did a wonderful job," Poetter said of her performance. "She's done everything we've ever asked her to do."

East Lake's sophomore Hayley Davis pitched an equally solid game, scattering nine hits over six innings. The three runs in the fifth were all unearned.

Both teams advance to Tuesday's regional quarterfinals. PHU will host the loser of the District 5A-10 matchup Friday night between Chamberlain (24-2) and Plant (20-5). East Lake will travel to the field of that game's winner. Both games will take place at 7:00.

BOX SCORE:

EAST LAKE- 000 - 000 - 0 --- 0-7-2
PALM HARBOR- 000 - 030 - 0 --- 3-9-1

TOP PERFORMERS:

East Lake

Amanda Weaver – 2-for-3
Kelsey Oonk – 1-for-3, 6 defensive putouts at second base
Hayley Davis – 6.0 IP, 3 R, 0 ER, BB, 1 K, 9 H, Loss

Palm Harbor

Taylor Sabol – 7.0 IP, 0 R, BB, 4 K, 7 H, Win
Madison O'Brien - 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2B
Courtney Pavlock – 2-for-3

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT