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Class 5A: Bartram Trail 3, Dwyer 1

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By SCOTT PURKS

Tribune Correspondent

Published: May 8, 2008

PLANT CITY – Jacksonville Bartram Trail pitcher Molly Manning said she didn't have her best stuff in Wednesday evening's Class 5A semifinal, but what she had proved plenty good enough.

With Manning's defense staying tight and the Bears' offense collecting nine hits, Bartram Trail pretty much cruised to a 3-1 victory over Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer.

"I may not have been sharp, but I still felt great because I have so much confidence in my team," Manning said. "I know that we have a great team."

It didn't hurt that Dwyer was without its ace, Jenee Loree, who was suspended from the team after she was arrested April 24 on a charge of underage possession of alcohol. Loree -- the Palm Beach Post 2007 player of the year with a scholarship to Auburn -- had a 13-4 record with a .42 ERA before the suspension.

Bartram Trail (28-3) said they were also disappointed that Loree wasn't there because, as Bears' coach Jennifer Harman said, "We wanted to come in here and face the best they had. We wanted that challenge."

The Bears jumped ahead 2-0 in the third inning after stringing together four singles, one by Manning that led to an RBI.

Dwyer (22-9) scored its only run in the sixth inning, but it was unearned after a couple of throwing errors.

Bartram Trail's Jessie Haladeena and Manning led the way at the plate, going 2-for-4 and 3-for-3 respectively.

"Overall we played well," Harman said. "I'm pleased with the intensity."

WP: Molly Manning. LP: Logan Wallace. Records: Dwyer 22-9; Bartram Trail 29-3.

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