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Sports briefs
By TERRY JONES and JORDAN DYE CITRUS PARK -- Sickles High softball pitcher Jackie Leppla made a verbal commitment last week to accept a four-year athletic scholarship at Florida Southern College. Although she had offers to Florida State and the universities of North and South Carolina, Leppla preferred the small campus atmosphere of the Lakeland college. Leppla started at third base and was the backup pitcher on the Gryphons Class 6A state championship team in 2001 and was the starting pitcher last year on the team that came within one game of the final four. Her record on the mound last year was 19-4. She also was a major offensive contributor last season with a batting average of .375. Leppla was selected first team All Western Conference, second team All Hillsborough County and honorable mention All State for Class 4A in 2001. Last summer, as a pitcher with the St. Petersburg Rascals travel-ball team, she contributed to its World Championship victory in the United States Fastpitch Association World Series. Leppla went 4-0 in the series and hit .450. In addition to her prowess on the softball field, she has been one of Sickles top scholars. She carried a 5.25 grade point average last year and is ranked 11th of 426 seniors at Sickles. Fonseca prepares for her professional tennis careerLUTZ -- With no more Florida age-group state championships left to conquer, 16-year-old Lutz tennis player Stacia Fonseca in on the path to a pro career. She placed second in the USTA Florida State Open over the Labor Day weekend, but played for expenses only, in order to maintain her amateur status. "We have chosen a series of open tournaments over the next few months, to get the proper exposure and help her prepare to turn pro," said Raul Fonseca, her father and schedule manager. "To qualify for the U.S. Open as a pro, she has to accumulate enough points and get a world ranking in the top 300. We feel she can do that by next summer." Fonseca will not play for prize money, but is allowed to accept money for expenses in the big tournaments. Pros and amateurs of any age compete in one bracket in open tournaments. This month, Fonseca is scheduled to play in the Peachtree City Challenge in Atlanta, the Satellite Tennis Tournament in Greenville, S.C., and the Winter Park Satellite Tournament. Tampa Bay Sluggers in search of baseball playersThe Tampa Bay Sluggers baseball team is seeking 15- and 16-year-old players for its fall season. For information, call Mike at 924-1692 or visit www.eteamz.com/tampabaysluggers. Nominate an outstanding high school football coachThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking nominations for High School Coach of the Week. Judges look for football coaches who have a positive impact on their team, school and community and who, through hard work and dedication to young people, help develop high potential football players. All schools in Hillsborough, Pasco and nearby counties are eligible, regardless of team size, league or division. For information, go to www.buccaneers.com and click on "To Vote for Your Pick." -- TERRY JONES and JORDAN DYE -- Tell us about your sporting event. Send information to Jordan Dye, St. Petersburg Times, 14358-B N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618, or fax to 269-5310.
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From the Times Letters |
