State champ West Orange eyes future
It didn’t take long for West Orange to realize the challenges that come with defending a softball state title.
A pair of one-run losses to Timber Creek and Ocoee two weeks into the season was all the Warriors needed to be reminded that last year’s celebration is over.
“I had my reservations about whether or not they were going to be ready, and not look to the success we had last year and try to move forward,” West Orange coach Todd LaNeave said.
“It was difficult in the beginning because we came out of the gate with a couple losses early, but the message was sent that we’ve got to look ahead, not behind us, because we’re not going that way,” he said. “That’s what I try to tell them every day.”
West Orange lost five seniors from last year’s experienced team. While plenty of talent returned, led by the likes of senior pitcher Lauren Mathis and junior outfielder Lexie Blair, the Warriors have been tasked with turning former role players into everyday contributors.
Key players making such a transition for the No. 2 team in the Sentinel Super Six are senior outfielder Hailey Penrose and junior pitcher Landry Newgent. Penrose is batting .412 (14-for-34) this spring while Newgent has allowed just three earned runs in 25.1 innings.
Pitching and defense has been the bright spot so far, but the coaching staff is still in search of more production at the plate.
“We’re not really sure where the runs are going to come from. We’re still trying to figure that out, but it’s not where it was last year,” LaNeave said. “I’d feel a bit more comfortable if we were putting six or seven runs on the board versus two or three, because one swing of the bat can change things real quick.”
West Orange takes part in the eight-team Montverde Academy Invitational Softball Tournament this week.
The Warriors open against Lake Minneola on Thursday at 5 p.m. then play either Hagerty or Apopka on Friday. The championship game is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.
Port Orange Spruce Creek hosts the 16-team Battle at the Beach on Friday and Saturday at the Coraci Sports Complex.
The No. 6 Hawks, who lost to Winter Springs 9-3 last week, open against Titusville Astronaut on Friday at 3 p.m.
In 1 p.m. games, No. 3 Orange City University faces Flagler Palm Coast and No. 4 Deltona takes on Vero Beach Master’s Academy. 1. Timber Creek (11-1) 2. West Orange (10-2) 3. (4) Orange City University (8-3) 4. (5) Deltona (7-1) 5. (6) Eustis (8-1) 6. (3) Port Orange Spruce Creek (6-3)
St. Cloud, Hagerty, Lake Howell, Winter Springs, New Smyrna Beach, East Ridge