Knights reach another level
In coach Jeff Miner’s seven years guiding the North Fort Myers softball program, the Red Knights have built a strong tradition, routinely winning 17-19 games, and as many as 13 players have gone on to play at the college level.
Still, the Knights haven’t fielded a team quite like this one.
They defeated Fort Myers 1-0 Friday for their first ever District 5A-15 title and host Davie Nova Tuesday in a regional quarterfinals game at Bobbie Dewey Field.
The Knights (24-3) surpassed the 20-win mark for the first time and competed well against nondistict opponents, supported by their 1-0 victory over Riverdale, the District 4A-11 winner, in the LCAC Championship Game.
The biggest factor, on and off the field, continues to be their mental toughness, Miner said.
“It used to be the kids hoped to win,” he said. “Now they expect to win every game. You have to have that mentality when you go to the ballpark.”
The Knights proved they were capable of winning games, in bunches, as soon as this season began. They stormed out to a 12-0 record, knocking off a string of quality opponents such as Fort Myers, Bishop Verot, Mariner, Ida Baker and Barron Collier.
A few setbacks along the way, including a 2-1 loss at Mariner, couldn’t slow their pursuit. They bounced back quickly each time and continued their consistent play.
Pitching and defense have been staples to their success, but they’ve also had the knack for delivering clutch hits. Sophomore Allie Kennedy came through with the big one Friday, hitting an RBI double in the fifth in the win over Fort Myers.
When they haven’t been able to hit the ball effectively, they’ve created opportunities through the running game.
“That’s been one of the main (differences),” Miner said. “We’re bunting in clutch situations and moving runners over.”
The mental toughness or intangibles begin with the leadership shown by the four captains, seniors Mariah Fernandez, Kayla Ramey and Alyssa Dougherty, and junior Jackie Owen.
They’ve been key players based on performance but also address the team or an individual player when there is a concern.
Miner said this season, though, the team has been mostly on the same page trying to achieve their goals.
“We have great kids,” he said. “They get along with each other and they’ve bought into the system and worked hard.”
Owen (20-3) has taken the ball for the majority of games. Her stellar pitching includes a perfect game in the LCAC Championship.
Owen, backed by the defense, didn’t allow a run in three victories in the district tournament.
Along with Owen, freshman pitcher Darienne Boyden has posted a 4-0 mark this season.
Both offensively and defensively, the Knights are the sum of their parts.
The infield consists of seniors Fernandez (first base), Dougherty (second base) and Ramey (shortstop), junior Lexi Schlotter (third base) and freshman Katrissa Rowell (catcher).
Junior Micheala Schlotter (left field) and sophomores Jasmine Santiago (center field) and Kennedy (right field) make up the starting outfield.
The district championship team includes sophomores Alex Smith, Paige Engh and Jessica Petrucci, and freshman Lizabeth Hernandez.