For the fourth consecutive year, Palmetto's softball team will pack its collective bags and head north to represent Miami-Dade in the state semifinals against Jacksonville Mandarin.
However, this year the Panters hope to achieve a goal that has eluded them since 2003: A championship.
''This team is different,'' coach Steve Batten said. ``This team is loose, focused, and goal-oriented. They know where they want to be, and they know how to get there.''
They should. At this time last year, the Panthers defeated Clearwater Countryside 2-1 in the 6A state semifinals, only to lose by the same score to Everglades one day later.
In 2006, another loaded Panthers team made its way to the final four before losing 1-0 to Palm Beach Gardens.
Standing in Palmetto's way this year is a Mandarin squad that is 23-2 and ranked No. 1 in the state. The Mustangs will send out Allison Johnson, a freshman who has gone 18-2 this season.
If the Panthers can top Mandarin, they will face the Plant City Durant or Palm Beach Gardens in the state finals.
Headlining this year's Palmetto team (21-3) is the All-Dade duo of pitcher Kelly Saco (15-2, eight home runs) and catcher Amanda Marquez (.478 batting average).
But Batten maintains that the identity of this year's team is in its unpredictable versatility.
''They don't wait for the top or the middle of the order,'' he said. ``Anyone can step in and start a rally.''
Such was the case earlier in the year when the Panthers, beset with injuries, gave sophomore Emily Stevens a shot at third base.
As the season went on, Stevens helped to absorb the loss of Lauren Guzman, an All-Dade performer at shortstop who has been relegated to designated hitter because of a shoulder injury. Guzman's absence at short meant that third baseman Claire Rocawich would have to move over.
Stevens assumed the duties at the hot corner.
''She gained more and more confidence as the year went on,'' Batten said of Stevens. ``She's done a great job for us.''
It was Stevens who preserved a 7-4 victory against Southwest in the regional semifinals two weeks ago when she deftly fielded a line drive and flipped it to second base for a game-ending double play.
Batten has used a mix of youth and senior leadership to return to states for the fifth time in six years.
All told, the Panthers have outscored their opponents 188-26 this year.
Although they are talented, deep, and versatile, their chemistry sets the Panthers apart.
''It's like a little family,'' Batten said. ``They all bicker, they all fight, but they all beat from the same heart.''
Palmetto will square off against Jacksonville Mandarin at noon Friday at Plant City Stadium.
