NFM falls in state semifinal 3-0
PLANT CITY — North Fort Myers had one run taken off the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning, and never cashed in, despite several opportunities, against Venice in a Class 5A State Semifinal Thursday at Plant City Stadium.
Behind senior pitcher Stephanie Sullivan, Venice blanked the Knights 3-0 to advance to Thursday’s championship game. They’ll face the winner of the Bartram Trail-Auburndale semifinal.
In the bottom of the first, the Red Knights thought they had tied the game, 1-1, when Lexi Schlotter slid in safely at home on a sacrifice fly by Katrissa Rowell. After an appeal, the umpired ruled that Schlotter left third early for the final out of the inning.
The Knights had several more chances but stranded eight runners, including five in scoring position.
Senior Kayla Ramey had two hits, including a double, for the Knights (27-4).