Plant still on track
The Panthers have surprised some by being so focused since the death of their coach.
By ROD GIPSON
Published April 6, 2006
TAMPA - Ask Plant players or coach Stephanie Ferlita how they're doing, and they'll politely defer. They would rather show how they're doing.
It has been almost a month since longtime Plant softball coach Sallie Scudder lost her battle with breast cancer.
The Panthers softball family of players, coaches and parents have continued with practices, tournaments and games since, leaning on each other for strength.
So go ahead, ask how they're doing. The answer is pretty good. Actually, really good.
The Panthers are 17-3 overall, have cemented the No. 1 seed in the Class 5A, District 10 tournament, are ranked seventh in the state and played well during their two spring break tournaments.
"Everybody is doing okay," Ferlita said. "It's never easy when someone passes away. And it didn't make it any easier just because (Scudder) was sick for a long time. But it helps to know she's not suffering anymore.
"And it's made the team more focused on the field."
The Panthers' first game after Scudder's death was a showdown against rival and then-No. 1 Chamberlain. The inspired Panthers won 2-0 and have continued to play well, winning nine of 11 since.
"We've played with a lot of heart the last month," Plant shortstop Katie Grimes said. "I think we've done good. Everyone was really sad but I think it's helped us jell together as a team."
Take Tuesday's 7-1 thumping of Robinson. The Panthers got great hitting (doubles from Grimes, Lizzy Mischo, Anne Pilger, Grace Collins and Kerri Croney) and solid pitching from Kelli McDonaugh, who improved to 4-0 with the eight-hit, complete-game performance.
"As the regular season ends, we're just trying to work on the routine stuff and focus on consistency," Ferlita said. "And staying sharp on defense."
In Collins (.525 BA) and Lauren Castellvi (.538), the Panthers feature two of the county's top hitters. Plant has eight players batting above .300 and boasts a team batting average of .384.
In McDonaugh, Kayla Ficarrotta and Courtney Kramer, Plant has a trio of unbeaten (collectively 10-0) hurlers who back up No. 1 Pilger, who sports a 1.26 ERA.
Grimes said the numbers are nice, but the Panthers just want to keep winning. For themselves, for Ferlita and especially for Scudder.
"(Scudder) had such a strong personality," Grimes said. "She was always giving 100 percent out here and we just want to keep playing well."
Ferlita believes they will.
"This team and this program has always had a winning tradition," Ferlita said. "This kind of gave them more of a purpose the rest of the year. They're playing for more than just themselves or just this team."