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Little League
West Hernando in its first sectional
By LARRY BUGG
Published July 22, 2005
The West Hernando Senior baseball team will be in uncharted territory when it plays at noon Saturday in the Section 7 Tournament.
This is the first time a West Hernando squad has won a district title and advanced to sectional play. The league has been under its current organization since 2000.
West Hernando will meet a team from District 5 at a park in Homosassa Springs. Hernando manager Vince Manda's club went 3-0 in District 15 competition.
"They just showed a lot of poise and a lot of character," Manda said of his players. "Our team was able to come through in clutch situations."
West Hernando outscored its opponents 49-14 after batting .445 in the district tourney. League president Donna Diven is proud of the 13 players, many of whom also compete at the high school level.
"Most of this team has been together since they were 7 or 8," Diven said. "This is a dynamic team. They are all good hitters. "I have seen these kids grow up," she said. "They have matured because they have been in youth sports." The West Hernando players are Michael Manda, second baseman and pitcher: James Adams, utility; Michael Serrano, third baseman; Thomas Dwyer, shortstop and pitcher; Kyle Rypka, pitcher and utility; Johnart Paz, first baseman and pitcher; Danny LeBron, first baseman, third baseman and pitcher; Danny Poulos, catcher; Benito Barrios, centerfielder; Michael Sawchuck, outfielder; Michael Nigro, utility; Cory Dusplaine, outfielder; and Andrew Neff, utility.
Assisting Vince Manda on the coaching staff are Sam LeBron and Walter Rypka.
"We are just trying to keep them on an even keel," Manda said of the players. "We try to keep them nice and relaxed and try to have fun."
The sectional competition consists of four teams in pool play.
West Hernando also will take on a District 6 team at 7 p.m. Saturday. Hernando's final game will be Sunday at 10 a.m. against District 12. The sectional winner receives a berth in the state tournament. The event in Miami is scheduled to begin July 29.
[Last modified July 22, 2005, 00:33:20]
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