Article from the SunSentinal

SOFTBALL PREVIEW: Pembroke Pines Charter seeks state title

Pembroke Pines Charter catchers, Gina Bondarenko, (a sophomore) and Brianna Chierico (a senior) (right) practice with the team at Silver Lakes Park, located in Pembroke Pines. (Sun-Sentinel/Rhonda Vanover / January 31, 2008)

By Christy Cabrera Chirinos | South Florida Sun-Sentinel

February 3, 2008

Pembroke Pines - It wasn't how the season was supposed to end.

After establishing itself as one of the favorites to contend for a state championship last year, the Pembroke Pines Charter softball team came up short.

The accolades during the season didn't matter. Neither did the state ranking or the fact they had played so well for so long.

In the regional final, Okeechobee defeated the Jaguars 2-1, ending the team's hopes for a title.

And the players knew it was partly their fault.

"We didn't know about Okeechobee. We were like, 'Oh, they're just any other team,'" said senior Audrey Broyles. "We were looking forward to states. We can't afford to do that."

Since Pines Charter opened eight years ago, its softball team has established itself as one of Broward County's best. The Jaguars made the first of two state tournament appearances in 2004.

They haven't missed the playoffs yet, but a championship has remained out of reach.

Players say this could be the season that changes, thanks in part to an experienced roster that features six college-bound starters.

Broyles, who pitches and plays first base, is headed to South Carolina. So is shortstop Kandyce Redondo. Second baseman Britanie Block is off to North Florida and outfielder Shayla Jackson is headed to Florida State.

Alicia Sisco (Florida) and Brianna Chierico (Broward Community College) round out a senior class that has coach Tom Fadul excited about this year's possibilities.

But with that kind of experience, there are expectations.

"It's a lot of pressure," Redondo said. "We have a lot on our shoulders, but with the team we have, everyone just works together. It's more exciting than anything. The pressure almost makes it more fun."

Along with Pines Charter, several other Broward teams could qualify for May's state tournament in Plant City.