CORTLANDT MANOR - It wasn't her pink hair, it wasn't a big breakfast, and it wasn't some unique superstition that caused Lakeland junior Amanda DiClerico to have one of the biggest games of her career.

Instead, it was just some unintentional extra sleep.

DiClerico, who homered twice out of the No. 9 hole in Monday's 5-1 win at Panas, said she overslept an hour after her alarm clock did not go off. The humble first baseman also swears she's not a power hitter.

"I was so surprised, because I'm not really a home run hitter," she said. "I'm like, frail."

NEWS: NYSPHSAA to vote on implementing NFHS rules despite pushback

RANKINGS: Undefeated Lakeland moves back into the top five

ROCKY RETURNS: Bedford boy, 10, returns to Little League after suffering stroke

"If you can get a 9-hitter in your lineup that is not an easy out, that's a good thing," Panas head coach Dale Chappelle said. "If you could have somebody on your team like that, that's a luxury."

Panas (7-4) is not the first opponent to be stung by Lakeland's hard-hitting lineup, which has now put up 129 runs through the Hornets' first 12 games this season. In fact, the Panthers are just the latest victim.

Lakeland improved to 12-0 this year behind DiClerico and Claire Fon, who hit her section-leading 12th home run of the season and struck out eight batters to earn the win on the mound.

"One through nine, I trust everybody to swing away," Hornets head coach Steve Fallo said.

Panas (7-4) was one out away from being shut-out for the second time in three games before leadoff hitter Bella Feraca laced a solo home run over the right-center field wall.

Get the newsletter delivered to your inbox
We're sorry, but something went wrong
Sports headlines from
Delivery: Mon-Fri
Thank you! You're almost signed up for

Turning point

The game was still within reach in the sixth inning, with Lakeland leading 2-0. The Hornets broke it open with three runs — including two home runs — to pull away.

Player of the game

Amanda DiClerico, Lakeland: For someone who claims not to be a power hitter, DiClerico sure didn't show it on Monday. She finished with two home runs and three RBI in the win.

By the numbers

GLAD TO HAVE YOU BACK: DiClerico and Fon did the most damage Monday, and both missed significant time last year. DiClerico was out all season with an ankle injury, and Fon had season-ending surgery just before the playoffs.

NO DOUBTERS: Panas is known for its bandbox-like dimensions, but at least two of Lakeland's home runs would have been out almost anywhere. DiClerico's first homer was a shot to left field, and Fon's blast to center field is probably still waiting to land.

FEAR FERACA: Panas senior Bella Feraca is in the midst of a career season. The left-handed hit machine is batting over .600 this year, including a 3-for-4 afternoon Monday against one of the section's best pitchers.


"You basically say, 'You're not going to let Claire hurt you, let someone else do it,' and somebody else did it." – Panas head coach Dale Chappelle, on facing Lakeland

Twitter: @Zacchio_LoHud
Instagram: @Zacchio_LoHud

facebook sharetwitter shareemail shareemail share
Read or Share this story: