BROOKSVILLE- Coming off the cusp of one of the most successful seasons Hernando High School has seen from its softball team, it was fitting to see a couple of its key members get selected to the season’s All-Star games.
Senior Ali Shenefield and Coach Kevin Bittinger were selected to participate in the FACA All-Star softball game held in Lakeland last weekend. Shenefield ended up picking up a win on the mound in the first game. Ali also finished in third place in the state for FHSAA 5A Florida Athletic Coaches Association Player of the Year award.
It was another tremendous season from Shenefield, who helped propel Hernando all year long and the pitcher will be sorely missed on the mound. The Leopards’ right-hander boasted an earned run average of 0.92 and her record was 25-4 with 26 complete games. She also helped herself at the plate and had a batting average of .467 with 43 hits and two home runs.
Hernando eventually ended up losing in the Class 5A state semifinals against Coral Springs Charter team that entered the contest with only one loss to their record. Coral Springs Charter eventually went on to become the Class 5A state champions after they defeated Marianna 7-2 in the state final. The Leopards held a brief lead during the game before giving way to the Panthers midway through.
The Leopards finished up being one of just two area teams between Hernando and Pasco counties to reach the state semifinal round. The other team that made it all the way to states was Academy at the Lakes, who wound up winning the Class 2A state championship. The Wildcats capped winning back-to-back Class 2A state titles.
Bittinger remains one of the top softball coaches in the North Suncoast area after guiding Hernando to its first-ever state semifinal appearance. The Leopards will have to find a replacement for Shenefield, who graduates and leaves as the school’s most successful pitcher in program history.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.
