Softball scoop

By Joe Smith
Published March 31, 2007

A tidy swing, but a not so tidy uniform

Kaci Huneke spits on her gray batting gloves, rubbing them together as she approaches the batter's box.

The spunky Seminole third baseman then adjusts her jersey pants, which are ripped and splattered with dirt.

Out of superstition, the junior won't switch pants during her hitting streak. But a gritty playing style may force Huneke's hand.

"She'd take a ball off the chin or elbow and hang in there," Seminole coach Mark DeRuzzo said of Huneke. "To play the corner positions you have to be a tough kid that's willing to get dirty.

"And those pants are double-lined - there's another layer before they get to the skin."

Huneke (pronounce HEN-KEY) had to fill some big shoes at the hot corner this season, replacing Alison Savarese, a four-year starter and three-time all-county selection who now plays for USF.

But Huneke has more than held her own, turning into one of the county's top hitters (.579 average and 28 RBIs). She leads Seminole (14-3) into a big matchup against defending 5A, District 11 champ Osceola (9-4) Monday night.

"I'm seeing the ball really well," Huneke said. "I feel I've improved a lot (since last season)."

DeRuzzo credited Huneke for making the transition from first to third base while taking a different approach at the plate; the 17-year-old hits the ball better to all fields now, as opposed to trying to pull.

Huneke often talks to Savarese, picking her brain for tips and tricks. The friends also hang out, fishing off the dock at Huneke's house.

But when "Henky" tries her luck at skimboarding, Savarese skips it, instead bumming it on the beach.

In water sports, it appears Savarese is the one with shoes - or skis - to fill.

Games to watch

For softball junkies, a short drive will provide a strong doubleheader Thursday; Palm Harbor University hosts Seminole at 4, and East Lake hosts Northeast at 7 in two North-South showdowns.

Sign her up!

Seminole senior Kasey Postupack committed to play outfield for Saint Leo on an oncampus visit Thursday afternoon. That means Postupack will join teammate Brittany Phillips (Nova Southeastern) in the Sunshine State Conference and live close to senior Trina Muchmore, who will play at Pasco-Hernando Community College.

"The campus was really nice and the girls were nice, too," Postupack said. "One outfielder is graduating, so hopefully (I can play)."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8129.

Fab Five

1. Countryside (17-2): The Cougars, battling injuries and illnesses, split a tough showcase last week, losing to Lakewood Ranch but beating Palmetto.

2. St. Petersburg Catholic (13-1): Moved up to No. 4 in state rankings with four wins, including against Academy of the Holy Names and Class 4A North Fort Myers.

3. Northeast (16-1): The Vikings, in control of their district, will get a tough test Thursday at East Lake.

4. Palm Harbor University (19-2): Won own tournament with victories over Boca Ciega and Pinellas Park.

5. Seminole (14-3): Warhawks test their mettle next week with games against Osceola (Monday) and Palm Harbor University (Thursday).

Honorable mentions: East Lake (13-6), Pinellas Park (12-7), Tarpon Springs (9-6), Canterbury (11-3), Northside Christian (11-3), Osceola (9-4)

[Last modified March 31, 2007, 07:28:04]