East Ridge falls to West Orange in 7A-3 softball semifinals

CLERMONT — Most high school and college coaches admit it is tough to beat a team three times in a season.

That point was reinforced in the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 7A-Region 3 semifinal softball game between Winter Garden West Orange and East Ridge.

The Knights had already beaten West Orange — once during the regular season and again in the district tournament. And considering East Ridge was hosting Wednesday’s rematch, the Knights likely were considered a favorite by many.

However, the third time wasn't a charm.

At least, not for East Ridge.

Bulldogs, Panthers advance:MDCA, Eustis softball advance to regional finals

West Orange scored four runs in the sixth inning and held off a furious seventh-inning rally by the Knights for a thrilling 4-3 win. With the loss, East Ridge closed out its season with a 20-8 record, while the Warriors improved to 17-12 and will play at Bradenton Lakewood Ranch Friday for the regional championship.

After East Ridge scored twice in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a scoreless tie, the Warriors went to work.

West Orange battered Knights starting pitcher Madi Wicker for five hits in the frame, including three successive run-scoring doubles. Sutton Janata, Aubrianna Sturm — pinch-running for Alley Schyck, who singled — Hailey Seymour and Tabitha Perry scored for the Warriors. 

East Ridge tried to counter in its half of the sixth, but Kaitlyn Oikle — who was running for designated hitter Emily Bryan, who led off with a single — was stranded at second, when reliever Gabi Lindsey retired the next three hitters.

In the seventh, however, that Knights got something going.

Kenadie Wells worked Lindsey for a lead-off walk, and Nel Nel DeJesus was inserted as a courtesy runner. Wicker followed with a double to the gap in left center and DeJesus moved to third. 

Brooke Theissen then ripped a grounder to shortstop Lexi Scalzo. DeJesus was moving on contact and Scalzo, who fielded the ball cleanly, tossed a perfect relay home and DeJesus tried to get back to third. 

Warriors catcher Kaley Wells then tossed a strike to Janata at third to nail a diving DeJesus.

Scalzo then came on in relief of Lindsey and after Wicker scored on an error and with Theissen at third, representing the tying run, got Bryan to lift a routine fly ball to left that secured the win.

West Orange finished with 11 hits. Scalzo had two, as did Schyck, and Perry. Seymour finished with two RBIs, both coming on a sixth-inning double to left-center that gave the Warrirors a 3-2 lead at the time.

East Ridge managed nine hits off the Warriors pitiching triumvirate of starting pitcher Emma Koehler, 

Lindsey and Scalzo. Thalia Romero and Bryan had two hits.

Hailey Hunt, Katie Sexton scored for the Knights, in addition to Wicker.

Lindsey earned the win in relief. She came on in the fifth, with two outs and bases loaded and Knights already up 2-0. Lindsey induced a strikeout from Alyssa Filmer to end the rally.

Scalzo picked up the save.

Baseball

Class 2A-Region 2

Mount Dora Christian Academy scored 10 runs in the second inning and cruised to a 10-0 win Wednesday at Maitland Orangewood Christian.

With the win, MDCA's 13th straight, the Bulldogs improved to 21-6 on the season and will host Seffner Christian at 7 p.m. Saturday for the regional championship.

Dominic Jones paced the Bulldogs offense with two hits. Zack Wilson scored twice, while Jones, Ethan Koller, and Collin Priest had two RBis apiece. 

Cooper Chapman picked up the win, going five innings and allowing one hit. Chapman didn't walk a batter and he struck out three. 

Ty'quan Wiggins, Dallas Dale and Priest had one stolen base apiece. 

In MDCA's two regional playoff games, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 25-0.

Softball

(all games 7 p.m.)

Regional Semifinals

Wednesday

Winter Garden West Orange 4, East Ridge 3

Friday

Regional Finals

Class 4A-Region 2

Belleview (21-7) at Eustis (24-1)

Class 2A-Region 2

Seffner Christian (18-6) at Mount Dora Christian Academy (19-8)

Baseball

(all games 7 p.m.)

Regional Semifinals

Class 2A-Region 2 

Mount Dora Christian Academy 10, Maitland Orangewood Christian 0

Saturday

Regional Finals

Class 2A-Region 2

Seffner Christian (19-4) at Mount Dora Christian Academy (21-6)