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Bulldogs duo set for Hillsborough CC

By STEVE LEE
Published May 18, 2006

ZEPHYRHILLS - Hillary Tunker and Hayley Decker have been teammates since they were 9. The Zephyrhills graduates will remain teammates at Hillsborough Community College.

Tunker and Decker, who last month helped Zephyrhills (24-6) to its first region final, signed full athletic scholarships Monday worth about $3,000 each.

The last Zephyrhills softball player to land a scholarship was Ashley Tunker, Hillary's sister who graduated in 2001 and played a season each at Pasco-Hernando CC and Hillsborough.

Tunker, who pitches and plays shortstop, was a four-year starter at Zephyrhills; Decker, a second baseman, started three seasons.

"It's good," Decker said of remaining teammates, "because we've played together forever."

Added Tunker: "It's comfortable. I've known Hayley my entire life."

Tunker batted .360 with 17 RBIs, 28 runs and 10 stolen bases this season. On the mound, Tunker went 10-1 with a 4.20 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Decker hit .359 with 13 RBIs and 20 runs.

As middle infielders, there were none better in the county, according to Zephyrhills coach Craig Milburn.

"They were the best combination of second and shortstop all year long," Milburn said. "They played together for a long time. Both have strong arms.

Tunker and Decker were among five senior infield starters for at least three seasons. That group included first baseman Teresa Doolittle, third Kim Hapeman and catcher Caryn Allison.

"Our infield was our strong suit," Milburn said.

[Last modified May 18, 2006, 01:40:19]