2 District All-Star Titles For Land O' Lakes

One team defended its title while the other moved up a notch from being a District 25 runner-up last season, giving the Land O’ Lakes Little League two champions in this week’s district softball tournaments.

The Major Softball team made it back-to-back district crowns with a 12-0 rout of New Tampa in the final. In the Minor Softball final, Land O’ Lakes defeated New Tampa 9-5.

“We are thrilled,” league president Hunter Anstine said. “Our girls work so hard all year long to prepare for this kind of thing. It’s no surprise to me that they were successful this year.”

In the Major Softball Division, Land O’ Lakes went 3-0 in the double-elimination series. The team also beat Zephyrhills 17-1 and tournament host Dade City 8-1.

“We had phenomenal pitching and the defense was pretty stellar,” Land O’ Lakes manager John Holt said.

Versatility also factored into Land O’ Lakes’ decisive victories with several players capable of playing more than one position.

“I have a whole arsenal of all-star girls that I can put at any different position at any given time,” Holt said.

The primary pitchers in the series were Alea White, Kayla Redman and Tayler Holt.

As for the district final, Land O’ Lakes struck early by scoring six runs in the first inning. Katie Glaze, Tori Morrow and Holt singled with all three scoring on a bases-clearing double by Kylie Ellis to highlight that frame.

Rounding out that team were: Jessica McCallister, Megan Rygiel, Aubrie Sowa, Caroline Byrd and Kristin Glaze, along with coaches Richard Ellis and Brian Morrow.

As for the Minor Softball squad, Land O’ Lakes notched three victories. Before the final, the local all-stars defeated New Tampa 8-1 and Zephyrhills 12-2.

“Probably hitting is what won it for us this year,” manager Colleen LoSauro said.

Pitcher Shannon Maloney and catcher Emma Sica went the distance in the final game. Pacing the offense in that contest were Brianna Lindner, Lexi Kilfoyl, Alyssa LoSauro and Sica.

Joining Maloney with the most time on the mound was Amber Leafe. Maloney pitched two complete games and Leafe one.

The roster also included: Ashley Smith, Brooke Rosello, Shea Forgas, Callie Turner and Alexis Buchman, along with coaches Jim Leafe and John Maloney.

A third team from Land O’ Lakes had a shot at a district championship, but the Major Baseball squad lost 14-8 to New Tampa in that division final. Land O’ Lakes has lost to New Tampa in the District 25 championship game for three straight seasons.