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Slumping Chamberlain prepares for playoffs
By RICK GERSHMAN NORTH TAMPA -- Chamberlain High's softball team started the 2002 season with a run that put nearby rival Sickles to shame. The Chiefs went 13-1, were ranked No. 1 in the state's Class 5A poll, and drilled the defending state champion Gryphons in both of their meetings. Times have changed. Since that hot start, Chamberlain has gone 7-5, and enters this week's district tournament at King High on the heels of its biggest loss this year. The Chiefs, who previously had not lost by more than one run, posted only two hits last Thursday in a 5-1 loss to Tampa Bay Tech for the Western Conference title. "I can't explain it," said Chiefs coach Bob Diez. "We just can't hit. I mean nobody is hitting." Still, there's no reason for panic. Tech is in Class 4A (where it is ranked No. 6 in the state), while Chamberlain will play in the 5A tournament. The Titans actually are a danger to Sickles, because they share a district. All of Chamberlain's losses have been to state-ranked teams, and despite the recent hitting slump, the Chiefs remain one of the state's most dangerous teams. "It's not (a matter of) ability," Diez said. "If we're focused, then we're very hard to beat." Just as Sickles is led in part by two Tiffanys (Clark and Stewart), Chamberlain is led by two Kristas: Holle and Jessup, the team's only two seniors. "They started for me as freshmen, but they'd been playing travel ball for four, five years. If they're on their game, we're in good shape." Amanda Cody, the Chiefs' phenomenal junior pitcher, and top hitter Melissa Zick also play primary roles for Chamberlain, which is 20-6 overall. The loss to Tech was reminiscent of Chamberlain's wins over state-ranked Sickles. In the past, these contests were hotly contested, but the Chiefs won both 2002 games soundly, 8-3 and 5-1. Diez acknowledged he has been blessed with talented players, many of whom play club ball. This is his 11th season coaching the Chiefs. His team went 13-13 the first year and has posted winning records every year since. The team is rich with all-stars, but Holle has achieved superstar status. She merits it. While most top high school teams are best known for a dominant pitcher -- which Cody certainly is -- Chamberlain's claim to fame is Holle, the third baseman. She boasts a batting average of .490, an on-base percentage better than .700, has stolen more than 20 bases and scored more than 30 runs. Jessup, the team's catcher, keeps base runners honest with one of the area's strongest arms. She also is a top hitter. Zick leads the team with a .500 batting average, while Cody owns an ERA of about 0.95. If Chamberlain returns to form, it remains a favorite for a state title. Said Diez: "We always go in expecting to win."
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