Millers will pitch against each other

Emma Miller and Ari Miller spent frigid Midwest winters pitching softballs inside a pole barn, where a propane tank in one corner of a dirt-covered floor was the only source of heat.

Years after relocating from Michigan to Florida in 2011, the sisters will be in opposite dugouts for the first time in their playing careers tonight. Mount Dora Christian Academy (16-5) travels to Apopka (18-4) to play its regularseason finale at 7 p.m.

It’s a special occasion for Emma, one of nine Blue Darters being recognized on senior night. She’ll be joined by her family, including younger sister Ari, in a ceremony on the field before the game.

“I can’t imagine being a parent sitting in the stands wondering who you’re supposed to be rooting for,” MDC coach Josh Swearingen said.

“I think there are a lot of mixed emotions for [Ari] going into this because she really loves her sister and looks up to her.”

The Miller sisters, who both earned all-state recognition a year ago, are expected to share the circle as opposing pitchers, a rare sight in high school sports.

“They’ve never gone head-to-head against each other,” said father and former travel-ball coach Anthony Miller. “In travel ball they’ve always been on the same team [the Gold Coast Hurricanes].”

Emma was a Miracle Sports second-team allstate selection as a junior in Class 9A. Ari, who decided to leave Apopka for MDC early in her freshman year, was 2A all-state first team.

According to Anthony, his daughters are as different as the uniforms they’ll be wearing tonight. Emma, who signed with Division II’s Davenport University in Michigan, is outgoing and aggressive on the field. Ari is described as more reserved and methodical.

Despite the difference in size of the schools, Apopka coach Michael MacWithey had no reservations about scheduling the game. He cited MDC’s status in 2A and the unusual circumstances surrounding the sisters for signing off on it.

The event is a source of nervous excitement for all in the Miller household.

“It’s all been in a positive manner,” Anthony Miller said. “Everybody has been very excited that it’s going to happen, but nobody has any idea how it’s all going to turn out.”