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Class 3A: Lakeland McKeel 6, Winter Park Trinity Prep 1

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By NICK WILLIAMS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 5, 2008

PLANT CITY – Before entering the Class 3A region tournament, the Lakeland McKeel softball team had lost four of its last six games.

Coach Larry Harvey knew things had to change.

"[The players] were tired of getting beat," he said. "We figured out what we wanted to do and that's why we're here."

On Monday, the Wildcats advanced to the 3A state championship after upsetting defending state champion Winter Park Trinity Prep, 6-1, at Plant City Stadium. McKeel advances to the state championship game against Plantation American Heritage at 7 tonight.

The Wildcats (17-13) scored all of their runs in the first inning, using six hits and two errors by Trinity to get the early lead.

McKeel finished with nine hits.

"That was huge," Harvey said. "That what I want to do, start the game by jumping on top of them.

Freshman pitcher Cheyenne Benson struck out three and allowed six hits for the win.

"[This is] very exciting," said freshman shortstop Emily Sanders, who had two doubles with a RBI in the first inning.

"Nobody thought we'd make it this far so it feels good," senior catcher Randi Grimes said.

Sophomore pitcher Heather White went 4-for-4 with a RBI and struck out two in the loss. After allowing six hits in the first inning, White allowed only three the remainder of the game.

"That was a gutsy pitching performance," Harvey said of White. "I have to take my hat off to her."

McKeel won the 2A state title in 2005.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848 or nwilliams@tampatrib.com.

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