Lady Mustangs historic season ends in state semifinals

The Lakewood Ranch High softball team saw its historic season come to a close with a 4-0 loss to Pembroke Pines Charter in the Class 6A state semifinals May 9 in Clermont.

It was only the second time this season the Lady Mustangs had been shutout.

After a 40-minute rain delay due to inclement weather prior to the start of the game and another 40-minute rain delay and field change in the first inning, the Lady Mustangs got caught up in a wave of emotional highs and lows.

Senior Huntyre Elling pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks with three strikeouts, before turning the ball over to freshman reliever Amanda Rak. Rak finished the game, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out one.

A usually high-scoring offense, Lakewood struggled to find its rhythm at the plate. Jackie Schoff went 2-for-3 with a triple to lead the way for the Lady Mustangs at the plate. Dana Hutchins went 1-for-3 with a double and Jenn Trotter went 1-for-3 with a stolen base.

The Lady Mustangs lose five seniors from this year’s squad, including Elling, Hutchins, Quillan Toler, Amber Ozment and Christiana Burns.

For a complete story on Lakewood’s historic season pick up the May 17 issue of the East County Observer.