Stout defense and a shutout from Ashleigh Grove helped Citrus Park hold off Pinellas Park National 5-0 to win the state Senior softball title late Thursday.
"It's determination," manager Marisol Hester said. "We have great bats, but they do what they have to do. If we need a drag bunt or a slap hit to move runners around, whatever, they do it."
Four runs in the second inning sunk Pinellas Park. Megan Baker and Shannon Federico led off with singles.
Kayla Sicarrotta and Stacey Overholt bunted, and a couple of errors allowed all four Citrus Park players to score.
Kara Willis singled in the fourth, moved to second on a fielder's choice and scored on an error.
Citrus Park's defense had no problems behind Grove, who walked one.
"She's a finesse pitcher," Hester said. "Even when they do hit the ball, when you have that defense behind her, it's easier to be more confident. They made plays I thought only the pros could make. Wherever the ball was hit, the girl made the play."
RIVERVIEW MEETING: Riverview High will hold a fall sports meeting Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium after freshman orientation. Football, cross country, golf, swimming and volleyball coaches will be available to answer questions and distribute athletic paperwork.
ALLEN COMMITS: Former Plant High offensive lineman Chris Allen committed to play for Division III Washington University in St. Louis. Allen started 25 consecutive games for the Panthers and was an all-Western Conference center.
