By Arden Gregory
With the warmer weather in recent weeks, and the lack of rain, conditions have been perfect for the start of the spring baseball and softball season at Daytona State College.
The Lady Falcons have been elevated, with a record of 9-1. It seems Head Coach Sabrina Manhart has her girls finely tuned for the upcoming conference schedule due to start Saturday, March 10 in Ocala against the College of Central Florida. The game time for the doubleheader is 1p.m.
“The girls have really come together and their ability to stay calm and maintain their composure has been a plus,” Manhart says, of the team’s great start to the season. “Our toughest competitor yet, will be Indian River State College,” adds Manhart.
Manhart, in her sixth season as the Lady Falcons captain, is not alone guiding the girls through the pre-conference play. Assistant Coach Alissa Smith is the shine behind the defense, primarily working with the infielders. Rounding out the DSC coaching staff is former world class and professional pitcher, Angela Tincher. Tincher brings her skills to the mound, relaying proper mechanics and ball control to the Falcon hurlers.
Gina Figliolia, whose performance at the plate through the first 10 games, has set the pace for the girls winning ways, batting a lofty .471, with Kathryn Spack and Kadieanne Tighe displaying sheer power at the plate. On the defensive side, the 1-2 punch of Jackie Owen and Tanna Seuferer has a combined record of 9-1 and an ERA of .066.
A hundred yards to the east, the pristine facility of the DSC men’s baseball team is host to 11 yr. seasoned veteran head coach Tim Touma and his coaching staff, honing the skills of future Division-1 players.
Many times junior college coaching staffs get minimal credit for the grooming of rising Division 1 stars, major leaguers and even future hall-of-famers. However, it is at this level where players learn the importance of camaraderie, proper training and most importantly- high academic standards. All of which set the tone for future athletic careers.
Loaded up with a 38 game schedule, not including post-season play, the team is hoping to bring up its overall batting average prior to the start of conference play and have everyone healthy and free of injuries.
Through the first seven games of the season, the men have a 4-3 Record, with all 3 losses coming by one run.
Ben Burns, who started the first game of the season and will move into a starting spot in the pitching rotation, says he’s ready to do his part from the mound and really excited to have a chance to help the Falcons win the conference.
“The coaches have prepared us mentally and physically, and we’re looking forward to being ready for conference play,” says Burns.
The Falcons next home game will be Friday, March 3, against Santa Fe College at 1p.m.