Mazzapica's return delayed

East Lake starting pitcher Kim Mazzapica was expected to make her season debut this week after a groin injury sidelined the senior, but Eagles coach Mike Estes said that Mazzapica's return is still up in the air. She didn't play in East Lake's 5-0 loss to Countryside, instead throwing pitches from her knees on an auxilary field during the game.

"We're still playing that by ear," Estes said following the loss. "It could be another two or three weeks before we get her back."

Estes hoped to have Mazzapica back for the Eagles second meeting with district rival Palm Harbor University March 13, but he's not too optimistic.

"She just can't drive her leg when she pitches," he said. "That groin's still acting up."

East Lake is 5-5 so far this season without Mazzapica.

-- BRYAN BURNS