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DeMuth Lets Actions Do The Talking

By NICK WILLIAMS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 20, 2008

PLANT CITY - Since her freshman year at Durant, pitcher Sara DeMuth listened to the seniors on the softball team talk about reaching the state tournament. Year after year, those graduating classes fell short.

When her chance to lead the team as a senior arrived, DeMuth didn't talk about it, she did it.

"This year, we didn't push going to the tournament," DeMuth said. "We never promised the underclassmen we'd go."

DeMuth, who has signed with Augusta State, led the Cougars to the Class 6A state final four, where the team lost to Palm Beach Gardens, 5-4, in 10 innings. In the loss, DeMuth had 11 strikeouts and allowed seven hits with no walks. It was the farthest the program had gone since 2002.

A Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star and Western Conference Softball Federal Division first-team selection, DeMuth was the most dominating pitcher in Hillsborough County, posting a 0.34 ERA with a 19-4 record and 182 strikeouts. She was also one of the top hitters in the county, owning a .341 batting average with 31 hits, 32 RBIs, eight doubles and two home runs.

"I wasn't expecting this," DeMuth said.
DeMuth was clutch in the postseason. In the 3-1 win against Winter Garden West Orange in the region championship, she threw a seven-inning one-hitter while striking out 10, and against Countryside in the region semis, she moved the go-ahead run to third with a single in the top of the ninth inning to help her team win, 4-2. She finished the game with five strikeouts and four walks, and when Countryside attempted to rally in the bottom of the ninth, she forced a pop-up to the infield and threw out the final batter at first base.

In the 6A-District 8 tournament final with the bases loaded and two outs, DeMuth hit a two-run single into center field to give Durant a 2-1 eight-inning victory against Plant City. The win gave Durant its third straight district title.

"She's had a stellar year," Durant coach Matt Carter said. "She's been solid all year. There's no situation she can't work out of. She's very cool, calm and collected."

"Coach calls the pitches," DeMuth said. "I just make sure it's the best pitch I can throw."

SOFTBALL FIRST TEAM

Katelyn Molkenthin, Bloomingdale, Outfielder, Sr.

Gina Kafalas, Chamberlain, Outfielder, Sr.

Grace Slone-Collins, Plant, Outfielder, Sr.

Samantha Holle, Chamberlain, Infielder, Jr.

Kelsey Horton, Durant, Infielder, Jr.

Ali Grant, Freedom, Infielder, Sr.

Hannah Ojeda, Plant, Infielder, Sr.

Kendall Dawson, Plant City, Catcher, Sr.

Mary Kate Smith, Chamberlain, DH, Sr.

Katie Forbes, Gaither, Utility, Sr.