softball

By FRANCINE KING
The Times-Union

PLANT CITY — The Bartram Trail High School softball team scored four runs in the first inning, then held on for a 4-2 victory over Venice in the Class 5A state championship game Thursday night at Plant City Stadium.

Bears pitcher Molly Manning (24-3), a Villanova University signee, struck out 15 and allowed four hits in the win over the previously unbeaten Indians (31-1).

Bartram Trail shortstop Christie Bailey hit a two-run single and later scored on an error by Venice’s second baseman to help the Bears (30-3) to their 4-0 lead. The Indians responded with two runs in the fourth, but Manning stopped the rally with a strikeout.

St. Johns County residents who can't attend the Bartram Trail High School girls regional finals softball game tonight, can listen to game on the Internet.

The game will be broadcast live on www.panhandlesportsbroadcasting.com beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Thanks to: Marci Skinner, the "boxtoplady" for sharing the news.