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Class 2A: Providence 3, SW Florida Chr. 0

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By GREGG BECNEL

Tribune Correspondent

Published: May 7, 2008

PLANT CITY – Jacksonville Providence defeated Fort Myers Southwest Florida Christian 3-0 in a Class 2A state semifinal Wednesday at Plant City Stadium.

The loss ended the Kings' 15-game winning streak.

Providence, making its first appearance in the state tournament advanced to Thursday's final against defending state champion Wewahitchka.

The Stallions (26-3) got on the board first when they batted around the order in the bottom of the second inning and scored three runs.

"Providence was as good as we expected," SWFC coach Mike Graci said. "We had one bad inning. And in the state tournament you can't do that."

Providence sophomore Jessica Childers (18-3) pitched a complete game for the win. She limited SWFC to three hits while striking out 10 and walking three. She also was 2-for-4 at the plate.

"She pitched an amazing game," Providence coach Steve Callahan said.

After giving up two hits against the first three batters she faced, Childers limited the Kings (18-5) to just one hit over the final six innings.

"When you get to this point in the season, hits are at a premium," Graci said. "You have to take advantage of the hits you get, and we weren't able to do that against [Childers]."

Katie Sambito went 2-for-3 with a walk and a RBI and Rachel Varnadore was 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored.

Hailey Barraco (15-5) took the loss, giving up three runs on six hits. She struck out two and walked three.

WP: Jessica Childers (10K). LP: Hailey Barraco. 2B: Katie Sambito (P). Records: SWF 18-5; P 26-3.

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