'Cane rounds out her game

Already sound defensively, Dana Bergner has improved her offensive output.

By MEYLA HOOKER
Published April 21, 2005

PALM HARBOR - Dana Bergner has been a starter throughout her career at Palm Harbor University.

The junior has earned countless honors and helped her squad dominate en route to winning state last year.

But Bergner wasn't satisfied with her performance last year.

"By my standards I struggled last year," Bergner said. "I didn't do horribly, but over the summer I really worked on hitting."

According to PHU coach Chuck Poetter, once Bergner joined his Clearwater Lady Bombers 18-and-under gold squad, she became a different player.

No longer was Bergner, a second baseman, expected to do everything for her team.

The adjustment wasn't easy.

"She was trying to do more than she needed to," Poetter said. "Because she was pressing, she didn't have the type of year Dana is capable of. But she got comfortable in her role and got her confidence back."

Bergner bats cleanup behind Kristina Hilberth and in front of Dani Hofer for the 23-0 Hurricanes. She leads the team with a .510 batting average, 14 RBIs and five doubles.

With Hofer on the mound, PHU defenders rarely see action in the field. Poetter said that's a disadvantage because Bergner and shortstop Tara Toscano are two of the best defenders around.

"She has always been solid defensively," PHU catcher Kristina Hilberth said. "But she took the initiative over the summer to improve offensively. She was a great hitter last year, but we are seeing her fight at the plate this year."

The Hurricanes already have successfully picked off a few runners at first base with Bergner on the receiving end of a Hilberth laser throw down the line.

Bergner said playing for PHU has taught her about hard work. According to Poetter, Bergner and Toscano have taken to diving for balls during practice and warmups before games, while opposing coaches and teams watch in bewilderment.

"Schools around here don't do that," Bergner said. "We work harder than anyone, so we deserve all the wins. It's easy to win with good teammates, especially when they are also your best friends."

Meyla Hooker can be reached at 727 445-4224 or e-mail mhooker@sptimes.com

[Last modified April 21, 2005, 01:06:12]