Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
"Gulliver Prep Ends Suns' Run"
The Suns fell 10-0 to Gulliver Prep Tuesday afternoon in the Regional Quarterfinals of the State Tournament. Despite going down in their previous two contests in post-season play, the Suns were able to string together quite a phenomenal year. This year’s team chemistry was outstanding despite the fact that the team’s age-range was steep. Of the nine starters, four were in middle school. Additionally, all three of the Suns’ reserves are also in middle school.
The Suns finished their season with 16 wins and five losses and the regular season District 15, Class 3A Champions. The team avenged an early-season slump went on to win 10 consecutive games, three of which coming against rivals Florida Christian (two wins) and Chaminade-Madonna (one win). Junior pitcher Evalena Behr led the Suns all year on the mound, as she pitched every game the Suns played. She completed the regular season as the top-ranked pitcher in Classes 1A-3A. She finished the regular season with 150 strikeouts in 105 innings pitched and sported a 2.13 earned run average (ERA). Behr also was third in the county in batting average, hitting .605.
The Suns also received an outstanding year from seventh grade catcher Shelby Gilreath. Gilreath finished the regular season fourth in Classes 1A-3A in batting average, hitting .571. She finished tied for second in Classes 1A-3A with three home runs, and was second in all classes in runs batted in (RBI’s) with 34. Other key players stepped up to give the Suns solid support. Senior shortstop Melissa Bart, finished the year playing great defense and was 10th in Classes 1A-3A in stolen bases with 17. Eighth graders Taylor Bast, Alex Espejo, and Victoria Kohl, all played very well throughout the year. Bast finished the season ranked sixth in Classes 1A-3A in runs scored with 25. Sophomores Erica Savelle and Danielle Monday, and junior first baseman Grace Chiang also turned in consistent performances for the Suns all season long.
The Suns say good-bye to Melissa Bart, their lone senior. The team returns 13 girls for the 2009 season and looks to improve upon their post-season performance. Great season and good luck in ’09!