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River Ridge Sophomore Tandem Guiding Knights On Mound

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: March 28, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - River Ridge sophomores Lakyn Shull and Ana Alberti have stepped into their leading roles this year without a hitch.

After productive freshman campaigns, the duo have taken sole command over the Lady Knights' pitching duties and helped River Ridge to a 14-3 overall record.

"They just love the game and are very, very competitive," River Ridge Coach Ernie Beck said. "So far it's worked out great. It's a pretty good combination to have."

Shull and Alberti have logged all 102.2 innings on the mound for the Knights this season and are showing a combined ERA of only 1.16.

So while on the mound and going to work on opposing hitters, the other is playing first base. Both are hitting .333 as of Thursday and have driven in a combined 33 runs.

A positional clone in the dugout is an asset the pair agrees is valuable to possess.

"It helps when you have another pitcher with you who happens to be very good," Alberti said.

"We back each other up," Shull said. "If we see something we feel we need to work on, or if there is a certain pitch, we'll talk to each other and our catcher, Sarah Simon. It definitely helps me."

Simon, the Lady Knights' top hitter, is one of a number of upperclassmen Shull and Alberti say have helped in their individual progressions this season.

Beyond translating advice to results, Beck said his sophomores' dedication to the game is what drives their success.

"They've been coming out here for a while," he said. "They were my managers as eighth-graders. Ana usually is the first one at practice and they'll both do exactly what you ask of them.

"They're just a pleasure to have on the field."

That discipline has let Alberti see perhaps the most notable improvements in respect to last season's numbers. She has cut her ERA nearly in half and is hitting 55 points higher.

"I think I'm doing all right, but I could be doing a little bit better," Alberti said modestly, pointing out that bettering her approach at the plate is the focus right now. "There's always room for improvement."

Personal accolades aside, Shull and Alberti say they much more concerned with helping their fellow teammates make a deep push into this year's postseason.

River Ridge sits second in the Class 5A, District 7 standings behind frontrunner Land O' Lakes, but catching up to the Gators and winning beyond that is the goal.

"The season's not over yet," Shull said of what the Lady Knights still have in front of them. "But I definitely want to go to states."

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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