Park Vista’s Jones totally dominant

Sophomore strikes out 10 as Cobras reach state final

VERO BEACH — Park Vista will play for its first state softball championship on Friday, thanks in large part to sophomore Tyrina Jones.

Jones, the Cobras’ star pitcher, shut out Apopka as Park Vista clinched a spot in the program’s first Class 9A state title game with a 4-0 victory on Thursday in Vero Beach.

“It’s great; it’s a great feeling,” Cobras coach Joe DellaRocca said. “The girls deserve it. It’s well-deserved.”

Jones dominated from the start. After walking the first batter and inducing a double play, Jones retired 16 of the next 17 batters she faced.

“Tonight, my curveball and riseball were working really good,” Jones said.

Jones finished her shutout with 10 strikeouts against only one walk and two hits allowed.

On offense, Jones helped her own cause with an RBI on a fielder’s choice in the fifth inning, giving Park Vista another insurance run.

More sophomores put Park Vista on the scoreboard.

Sophomore first baseman Rylee Kent singled to center field for the Cobras’ first run of the game, and they got a second run on a bunt single by sophomore second baseman Emily Konz.

A junior, Morgan Keith, scored Park Vista’s final run on a sacrifice bunt by freshman Danielle Dougherty.

The Cobras will face the winner of the second Class 9A semifinal between Coral Gables and Lithia Newsome at 8:05 in the title game, giving Park Vista a chance to win the school’s second championship in any sport.

DellaRocca said Jones will get a chance to follow up on her great performance and take the circle again on Friday.

“I feel good,” Jones said.