SPORTS BRIEFS

+ Pirates outfielder signs with HCC
Surrounded by family, friends, teammates and coaches, Braden River High outfielder Jada Schopfer signed a national letter-of-intent April 28 to play softball for Hillsborough Community College, becoming the second Lady Pirates softball player to earn a scholarship to play at the next level.

“It’s really relaxing,” Schopfer said of signing. “I’m really happy and excited to move on.”

Schopfer, who transferred to Braden River from Manatee this year, chose HCC after just one visit.

“The coaches were really nice and made me feel welcome,” Schopfer said. “I felt really comfortable (there).”
Schopfer began playing softball when she was 8 years old, and now, the senior is in helping lead the Lady Pirates through a historic regional tournament run.

“I just (love) the way I feel when I’m out there,” Schopfer said. “I feel like I’m on top of the world.”

Schopfer, who plans to major in business, is hoping to close out her high school career with a state championship before heading up to HCC Aug. 14.

+ Distance squad anchors Lady Mustangs
The Lakewood Ranch High girls track team won all four of the distance events at the Class 3A-Region 3 meet April 28 at Charlotte High, propelling the Lady Mustangs to a second-place finish.

Kristin Zarrella won the 800-meter run (2:14.80) while Olivia Ortiz won the 1,600 (5:02.59) and 3,200 (11:09.80). Zarrella and Ortiz then teamed up with Devin McDermott and Michelle Last to win the 3,200-meter relay (9:39.71).

The girls will now move on to the Class 3A state meet May 6 in Winter Park.

+ Wave Runners post impressive results
The Lakewood Ranch YMCA Wave Runners sent 23 swimmers to the St. Petersburg Aquatics Long Course Meet April 15-16.

Sebastian Aguirre, Ianka Berkenbusch, Kevin Berkenbusch, Sam Cusick, Sydney Cusick, Bea Gelongo, Maya McCarthy, Zaya Pelusi, Brieann Reid, Malorie Schuerman and Abby Watrobsky all set new personal best times.

Aguirre also achiever Florida Age Group Swimming times in the 50-yard butterfly, 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle.

Suzie Aguirre, Alexia Austin, Abby Ernst, Maddy Ernst, Elijah Gelongo, Kate Morin, Sydney Panzarino, Molly Robinson, Rebekah Spiegelman and Hunter Wagner all swam in a long-course meet for the first time.