Despite streak of district titles, every win special

Belleview softball head coach Gary Greer is no stranger to district championships.

Greer, who has led the Rattlers’ softball program for 21 seasons, has now helped Belleview capture eight district crowns, including four straight, excluding the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season.

The team’s most recent district championship came on April 29 after the Rattlers dished out a 10-0 run-rule victory over North Marion at Belleview’s Venom Field.

Despite the team’s winning tradition, Greer said every title is special.

“We talk about the history and the past, but the last thing I told them was even though it’s four, we enjoy today’s,” Greer said. “Because today is the one that you got as a group. They’ll never be together… this group of girls.”

Part of what is special about this year’s team is senior pitcher Lauren Reimsnyder. The senior notched 18 wins and the team lived and died on her arm. Her 18-7 record nearly matches the team’s overall record of 19-7.

She dominated the district finals and semifinals pitching back-to-back gems. The Rattlers made their way into the Class 4A-District 5 title game after thumping the Lake Weir Hurricanes 15-0 through three innings on April 27.

Reimsnyder threw a perfect game while keeping her pitch count below 30.

She regrouped two nights later to pitch another shutout, her eighth of the season. Reimsnyder’s success didn’t go unnoticed. She will join Bethel University next year.

“Lauren hasn’t given up a hit or walk in eight innings straight,” Greer said. “That’s probably the best playoff performance we’ve ever had. So that’s pretty awesome.”

As the team prepared for the state tournament, Reimsnyder was ready to go again.

“I feel great,” Reimsnyder said. “Even though I have pitched now four days in a row because I pitched in practice too, I just feel really loose and competitive. I think the adrenaline is really getting to me and making sure this isn’t the last time I get to step on this field.”