Female Athlete of the Week
Mariner softball coach Bill Stoudt sent a clear message to his team at the start of the high school season: He wanted them to be a stronger hitting team.
It served merely as a reminder, though, since many of the returning players were focused on that aspect of the game long before the season began.
“We practiced a lot more and challenged each other,” Samantha Rapp said.
Rapp is one player in the lineup who is seeing the results of the hard work.
The Daily Breeze Female Athlete of the Week continued her hot start last Thursday, belting three singles, drove in two runs, walked twice and scored five runs in the Tritons’ 16-0 win over Cypress Lake.
She had an RBI double in an 11-10 loss to Palmetto Ridge Wednesday, and provided a key two-run double in the seventh to help the Tritons beat Gulf Coast 9-8 earlier this season.
Through the first four games, Rapp has compiled a .636 batting average (7-for-11) with five RBI and eight runs scored. She has added five walks, contributing to a .750 on-base percentage.
“I’ve mainly been working on swinging, my form and making better contact. Making sure I bring my hands through,” she said. “Last year I didn’t really work on hitting as much as defense.”
Rapp, a first baseman, is in her second year with the Tritons. The sophomore brings a lot of experience having played little league or travel ball since age 4.
Rapp is one of six sophomores on the team. Overall, that group performed well last year in helping the Tritons to a respectable 14-11 record, but they’re hoping to continue their development.
“It was cool to have that many freshmen (last year) so we can progress through the years and get better,” Rapp said.
Despite the better offensive production, the Tritons (2-2) have seen mixed results so far. They continue their season Friday, hosting Barron Collier.
Honorable mentions:
Renee Deane, senior, Cape Coral tennis: Deane led the Seahawks to two victories in the opening week of action. In a win over Lehigh, Deane won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles and teamed with Danielle Carter to win 8-0 at No. 1 doubles.
Tara Higgins, junior, Cape Coral softball: The third baseman drove in five runs in the Seahawks’ 21-2 rout of Lehigh.