Little League

Citrus Park takes crown

The Senior Softball team takes the World Series title, defeating Puerto Rico 1-0 for the championship.

By TERRY JONES
Published August 14, 2005

After losing to the defending world champions from Puerto Rico in the second game of pool play in the Seniors Softball World Series, Citrus Park had to claw its way back into the semifinals in hopes of another shot at the champs.

Their hard work paid off Saturday.

Not only did the Citrus Park senior (ages 13-16) team make the final, they beat the defending champions 1-0 to capture the world title in Lower Sussex, Del.

"Citrus Park is now the best senior softball team in the world," assistant coach Al Bowman said. "The defense and pitching was outstanding throughout the game and the series."

Bowman said the team plans to go to the Citrus Park facility around 12:30 p.m. today to greet family and friends.

Alyesse Stapf went the distance for Citrus Park, holding Manuabo, Puerto Rico to two hits. She also struck out six.

Stapf also got the win in the final pool game, giving Citrus Park a berth in the final four, the first of her three wins in a row. Puerto Rico beat Citrus Park 1-0 during pool play.

The only run of the final came in the bottom of the sixth. Katie Ely got on base with a single and Khrstyne Ely moved her sister to second with a sacrifice bunt. Morgan Grove then doubled to drive in the run.

Citrus Park manager Marisol Hester said both defenses seemed as calm as they could be for such a tense game.

"This was a very good game and an aggressive battle by two very good teams throughout the contest today," Hester said. "It was truly the kind of game one would expect in a World Series championship final."

In the top of the seventh, Trisha DeBold's defense at third prevented Puerto Rico from getting a runner on. The ball took a bad hop and went high over her head. She leaped high enough to grab the ball, gain her balance and throw the runner out at first.

In the top of the fourth, catcher Katie Schafheimer threw out a runner at second to retire the side and end a Puerto Rico threat.

[Last modified August 14, 2005, 00:54:16]