BRANDON - As a freshman, Brandyce Trowell earned a starting infielder's spot in one of the toughest and most consistent programs in Hillsborough County.
Last year as a junior, her second-base play and hitting skills helped Chamberlain capture the Class 5A state championship.
This year Trowell is in a zone. Chamberlain coach Bobby Diez said she saved her best for last and is playing better than ever.
"Brandyce is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," Diez said. "In the halls and classroom, she is this quiet and petite girl who is nice to everyone and very soft spoken. On the field, she is intense beyond her small size. She blocks bases and breaks up double plays like she is a linebacker. She hates to lose and will put her body in danger to make a play that could be dangerous."
Trowell signed early to play for the University of Tampa. Diez thinks that early commitment took pressure off Trowell and allowed her to simply enjoy playing ball her senior year.
"I have never seen her have so much fun playing softball," Diez said. "I think signing early has released her to really enjoy her last year as a Chief. She is relaxed and setting an example to help her younger teammates. Our young team looks up to her. She has always been steady in everything, but this year she is really putting up the numbers."
Her batting average after 13 games is .581 with five doubles, a triple and a home run. She has scored 14 runs, recorded 15 RBIs and stolen seven bases.
She has hit safely in every game this season, has an on-base percentage of .651 and slugging percentage of .814. In five games in the Spring Fling, she recorded nine hits in 15 trips to the plate.
On defense, her fielding percentage is .960.
"Brandyce is a pleasure to coach and it is so much pleasure watching her play softball," Diez said.
J.J. IS OKAY: Jennifer Jacobs, fondly referred to by teammates and coach Larry Rodriguez as J.J., has led the Academy of Holy Names for four years. This year the senior again is posting some impressive numbers.
Her record on the mound is 8-2-1. While throwing 68 innings, she recorded 131 strikeouts, posted an ERA of 0.09 and yielded only 16 hits.
At the plate, she is one of the top hitters in Hillsborough County with a batting average of .561. She has scored 14 runs and has 20 RBIs. In a 7-0 victory over Clearwater Central Catholic, she drove in six runs.
PERFECT INDIAN: East Bay's senior catcher Teresa Noriega has been consistent at the plate and behind it for the Indians.
"Teresa has been a sparkplug for us all year," coach Glenn Rodriguez said. "She is like our quarterback, controlling the flow of the defense from behind the plate."
Defensively, Noriega has made zero errors in 18 games this season. Few defensive players ever record a fielding percentage of 1,000 like Noriega has. She also helps the Indians at the plate with a batting average of .390.
Crystal Hill also helps ignite the East Bay offense. The senior shortstop is hitting .400 with 15 RBIs and has scored 14 runs. Her fielding percentage is .905.
