Cougars, PHU in final

By MEYLA HOOKER
Published April 28, 2005

CLEARWATER - The nerves finally got to Countryside freshman Desiree Baker.

Instead of falling apart, however, Baker pitched the Cougars into today's title game against Palm Harbor University. Baker (5-6) tossed nine shutout innings for the third-seeded Cougars (16-10), who defeated No. 2 seed East Lake 1-0 at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex. Baker allowed two hits and struck out four.

Pinch-hitter Britney Oates scored the go-ahead run for Countryside in the ninth when Emilee Venable doubled with two outs. Oates, who was pinch hit for Baker, walked to reach base.

"It took a bunch of people to do a bunch of things," Countryside coach Kaylyn Bayly said. "Desiree was nervous and told me she didn't know why. I told her to just look over at me when she started feeling like that. We told her that the defense had her back."

East Lake freshman Kim Mazzapica (11-7) also went the distance. She allowed eight hits and struck out nine.

In the other semifinal, defending district champion PHU (25-0) needed eight innings to down fourth-seeded Dunedin (6-10) 1-0.

Dani Hofer (17-0) struck out 14 en route to a fifth perfect game this season.

PHU second baseman Dana Bergner's line drive single to rightfield plated Stephanie Loza, who singled to lead-off the inning. Loza got to second when catcher Kristina Hilberth singled.

Dunedin pitcher Amber Ehlers (6-10) was also impressive, allowing eight scattered hits.

PINELLAS PARK - Not only did Pinellas Park have to face one of the county's best pitchers in Seminole's Liz Milhan, but the Patriots had to do it two days in a row. In a continuation of Tuesday's suspended game, Seminole (19-4) ousted the host team 10-0 in six innings to advance to the final. Milhan (11-2) pitched a complete game, allowing no hits while striking out 10 and walking one.

"It was just like going out to play another game," said Milhan of the extended game. "I stay focused on each and every batter and concentrate throughout the entire game."

For Milhan, the entire game meant dealing with rainy conditions Tuesday. In a move questioned by both coaches, officials allowed the semifinal to start though a severe thunderstorm loomed and the rest of the county games had been called. After four innings in constant rain, the game was postponed with Seminole up 6-0.

"I just told them to continue where they left off and to keep the same frame of mind," Seminole coach Mark DeRuzzo said.

Milhan helped her cause with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. The junior pitcher, who will start in the championship game against Northeast, had a double, four RBIs and scored twice.

Senior shortstop Christal Kotchman went 3-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored while senior centerfielder Shannan Tyson scored twice and had two doubles, including the bases-loaded hit in the sixth inning that ended the game on the mercy rule.

- CHRIS GIRANDOLA, Times correspondent

[Last modified April 28, 2005, 01:19:11]