Corey Davis
Suwannee Democrat
CLERMONT — The postgame Gatorade celebration over Lafayette softball coach Derek Garland was weak to say the least, but hopefully a bigger one is coming soon.
Minutes after dispatching visiting Sneads 11-1 in six innings Wednesday night, Garland immediately went into coaching mode.
"I congratulated them but told them we're not done yet, let's take this program to the next level," Garland said.
Taking it to the next level means winning the school's first ever game in the Final Four. Lafayette will be making their third trip to the state finals, first since 2007 and has gone 0-2 in previous trips.
Lafayette (16-10) was scheduled to open up the single elimination Class 2A Final Four with Lakeland Christian (20-4) yesterday at 5 p.m. in Clermont.
Lakeland Christian, coached by Rand Reese, is making their first ever trip to the state finals after coming close in 2002, 2006 and 2008 losing in the regional finals (Elite 8).
Last year, the Vikings were knocked out in the second round and three years ago were knocked on in the first round. Both teams will be looking for their first ever win at the Final Four.
Carrying the Hornets has been a solid 1-9 lineup and four outstanding pitchers.
"Our offense is the strength of the team," Garland said. "One of our best hitters our leadoff hitter (Lindsay) O'Steen went hitless tonight but had two sac bunts. That's the great thing about this team. somebody different steps up each game."
One of those players stepping up was seldom used Givens, who came up big when called upon in the regional final against Sneads.
"That was big for us, she stepped up tonight and helped contribute," Garland said. "Maybe she is getting hungry knowing she is getting towards the end of her high school career."
Givens also has the distinction of being one of four players who have played previously in the Final Four.
Junior centerfielder Cartaesha Macklin, senior Kesley Land and Givens all played in the Final Four in girls basketball in March.
As a freshman, Lindsey Hamlin was part of the Hornets softball team, which advanced to state in 2007, losing to Miami Westminster Christian.
"Definitely an advantage for us, the older girls can tell the younger girls what it's like to play big stadiums and hostile environment and calm them down before the game starts," Garland said.
When told Lakeland Christian was making their first ever trip to the Final Four, Garland said, "Hopefully Lakeland will be nervous then and make some errors."
In addition to the previous Final Four experience, another factor that could help them is the demanding schedule the Hornets played.
Eight of the ten losses, were at the hands of Santa Fe and Columbia (whom both won 20 games), Suwannee (16-10) and Madison County, which fell in the first round of the playoffs.
"I think it has prepared us for getting this far, that's why we schedule games like that," Garland said.
