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Softball: It's Not Easy Winning At State

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: March 26, 2009

TAMPA - Chamberlain softball coach Bobby Diez says there's no specific formula for winning a state title.

Since 1999, he has taken the Chiefs to the state semifinals six times. In 2003, Chamberlain took home its first and only state title, winning the Class 5A trophy.

Diez said talent can carry a team to state, but it doesn't guarantee victory.

"It's hard," Diez said. "I don't think there was a better team than us each time, to be honest. That day, you just have to play good."

Chamberlain junior first baseman and South Florida commit Stephanie Medina remembers watching the 2003 team. Her older sister, JoJo, played first base for the Chiefs.

"It was intense," she said. "They worked hard and did what they had to do to win. They played some great teams to get there."

Chamberlain is the last Hillsborough County public school softball team to win a state title. Riverview coach Angela Slater led the Sharks to a 4A title in 2000 and two years later, guided Riverview to the 6A state title.

In 2003, Riverview was the 6A state runner-up. In 24 years as a head coach, she has reached the state final five times.

"We don't have a monopoly on it so we have to work hard," Slater said. "There's an awful lot of good softball in Florida and an awful lot of good players. It takes a lot of hard work and faith."

Cambridge Christian, the last team from the county to win a title (2005), owns three state titles and has the most tournament wins of any Hillsborough County team with 44.

Between Riverview's state title years, Sickles won the 6A title in 2001.

"If you don't expect to go to the state tournament, what are you playing for?" Diez said.

SPRING FLING TOURNAMENT: Some of the top teams in Hillsborough County, as well as River Ridge from Pasco County, will be competing in the annual Spring Fling tournament this weekend at J.C. Handly Park in Brandon.

Riverview won the tournament last year. The schedule:

Friday - First Round: Riverview vs. Bloomingdale, 3 p.m., Field 1; Durant vs. Alonso, 3 p.m., Field 2; River Ridge vs. Academy of the Holy Names, 3 p.m., Field 3; East Bay vs. Brandon, 5 p.m., Field 1. Second Round: Lennard vs. Riverview-Bloomingdale winner, 5 p.m., Field 2; Plant vs. Durant-Alonso winner, 5 p.m., Field 3; TBA vs. River Ridge-Holy Names winner, 7 p.m., Field 1; Jefferson vs. East Bay-Brandon winner, 7 p.m., Field 2.

Saturday - Semifinals, 11 a.m., Fields 1 and 2; Championship, 2 p.m., Field 1.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851. Keyword: Preps for a photo gallery of the annual Spring Fling softball tournament.

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