Regional softball

By Compiled by BOB PUTNAM

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 30, 2000

All games at 7:30 on Tuesday unless otherwise noted.

CLASS 5A

Seminole (18-7) at Sarasota (22-6)

THE SKINNY: The Warhawks want revenge after losing to Sarasota in the regional semifinals last season. For that to happen, the Warhawks must cut down on the errors and revive their offense after scoring a combined five runs in their two district games. Stephanie Strickland has been the workhorse. She pitched the district final and scored the winning run in Wednesday's district semifinal.

Charlotte (14-12) at Countryside (25-1)

THE SKINNY: This is the Cougars' last breather before a stretch of tough games. Countryside committed an uncharacteristic three errors in Friday's district final but still gave up only two runs. Offense is not a problem. The Cougars had a combined 21 hits and 18 runs in victories over Pinellas Park and Seminole last week to claim their second district title in a row.

Plant (14-11) at East Lake (16-9), 4

THE SKINNY: The Eagles have earned their first playoff berth since 1995 and their first district title since '93. Winning the district is a good sign for East Lake. When the Eagles' won their first district title, they advanced to the state tournament. For that to happen again, East Lake needs to give the ball to Julia Weiss. In two district games, Weiss picked up two wins and pitched 17 scoreless innings while racking up 22 strikeouts.

CLASS 4A

Citra North Marion (17-6) at Palm Harbor University (30-3), 4

THE SKINNY: The Hurricanes start their quest to defend their state title. If Thursday's district final is any indication, Palm Harbor University will have to pick up the pace to win another title. The Hurricanes were behind by a run in their district championship game before exploding for 10 runs and cruising to victory. Coach Chuck Poetter said it was the wake-up call his team needed.

Tarpon Springs (11-12) at Ocala Forest (20-9)

THE SKINNY: Even though the Spongers lost in the district final by 10 runs, they were happy enough to secure their first playoff berth in school history. Tarpon Springs will rely on the pitching of Erica Drake and the hitting of Katie Zody, Carrie Omo and Sarah Fisher.

Blake (8-13) at Clearwater (27-4)

THE SKINNY: The dream season continues for the Tornadoes. They already own the school record for victories (27), finished the regular season with their highest ranking in the state poll (No. 2 in 4A) and claimed their first district title Friday. Clearwater gets to host an easier game Tuesday before facing tougher Hillsborough County teams later.

Northeast (14-7) at Tampa Bay Tech (15-5), 4

THE SKINNY: The Vikings, backed by their pitching, have made it to the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. During Northeast's first two regional appearances, it was Amanda Bettker who shone on the mound. Now it's Leslie Footlick. The Vikings will need Footlick's arm to counter the bats of Tampa Bay Tech, a surprise team this season in Hillsborough County.

CLASS A

Community School of Naples (10-10) at Keswick Christian (16-5), 4

THE SKINNY: Because of the success of other girls programs at the school, the Crusaders have a tough act to follow. After all, the volleyball team made it to the state final. So did the basketball team. For the softball team to continue the trend, it will have to count on strong pitching performances from Lindsey Crosby. That shouldn't be a problem considering Crosby's 10-3 record and the gem she pitched Friday when she allowed three hits in the district final.

Shorecrest (8-14) at Sarasota Christian (12-8)

THE SKINNY: The Chargers have made the playoffs for the third year in a row. But to go any deeper in regional play, Shorecrest must find some offense -- fast. The Chargers had a combined five hits in two district games. They made the playoffs by capitalizing on six errors and 10 walks during the semifinal.

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