Preps

Tarpon earns big district win

TARPON SPRINGS -- Tarpon Springs coach Craig Drake wanted to go into spring break with a positive feeling. A home victory against 2002 state finalist River Ridge should help.

The Spongers avenged a 6-0 loss to start the season and got seven strong innings from Dana Aldrich and two run-scoring singles by Courtney Wallace, beating the Royal Knights 2-1.

The victory leaves Tarpon and River Ridge (both 6-2 in Class 4A, District 7) tied for second in the district behind 4-1 Mitchell.

"We are starting to come together," Drake said. "We are mostly a team of juniors, and getting a win like this over a team as good as they are will go a long way."

The Spongers loaded the bases in the first on walks by Ali Kidman and Brittney Wallace and a single by Rachel Riley. Kidman scored on a single by Courtney Wallace, but Brittney Wallace was thrown out at home.

Rachel Riley led off the fourth with a triple then scored on Courtney Wallace's single.

River Ridge threatened in the sixth and scored its only run in the seventh.

Kiki Von Holt reached on a fielder's choice and moved to third on a two-out single by Jackie Linville. Linsay Cole struck out, but the ball got away from catcher Melissa Mennone, whose throw to first was late. Holt scored, but first baseman Riley threw out Linville at third for the final out.

Aldrich has pitched almost every game for the Spongers (7-3) and said she was upset with Thursday's performance but happy with the overall result.

"It was nice to come back and beat them since they beat us pretty good in the first game," Aldrich said. "I got frustrated in the middle of the game, but I refocused and finished strong."

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright