The Santa Fe College baseball and fastpitch teams got their fall scrimmage season off to a start on Saturday when both teams hosted double headers against travel ball teams. The fastpitch team opened things up with a double dip against the Osceola Overdrive at 10 a.m. and baseball followed at 11 a.m. against the Florida Burn. On Sunday the baseball team continued against Orlando Baseball Academy at noon.
Coach Ahern and the Saints returned just four players from last season’s Mid-Florida Conference championship team. Shortstop Beri Scott, outfielders Caroline Whittington and Beri Scott, and starting pitcher Maddy Peres. Seventeen newcomers join the returners, including 16 freshman.
“This year’s team is probably the overall youngest one we have fielded in my time at Santa Fe,” said Head Coach Chris Ahern. “But it is a team full of energetic, enthusiastic, hard-working players.”
Fastpitch will play six home dates during the fall, and will also travel to the University of Florida, the University of North Florida, and the University of South Florida for games against some of the top NCAA teams in the country, headlined by the defending National Champion Gators.
The baseball team is equally as young, returning just six players from the 2014 team. Jared Shouppe returns to the fold after two season ending injuries and will look to capitalize on his immense talent.
“It will be great to get Jared back in the fold,” said Head Coach Johnny Wiggs. “We feel he is an ACC/SEC type of player, and we are excited to see him back and healthy at shortstop.”
The Saints will play their entire fall schedule at home, including two double headers against MFC rivals St. John’s River State College on Oct. 7 and Oct.21.
Admission is free for all baseball and fastpitch events. The concession stand will also be open for every event.
For complete schedules, stats, and more information on Saints Athletics please visit www.santafesaints.com. To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.