When the big rival game of host team AHN  vs Tampa Catholic began on Friday night, September 22, not a single person would have thought it would end early.  If anything,  the game would need to go into extra innings.

As  biggest rival in almost every sport, Tampa Catholic usually comes through the most exciting softball rivalry. Past games have been highlighted by extra-inning pitching battles and walk-off wins.

Friday’s matchup with TC was the first of potentially three challenging ones this season.  Like any other rivalry, the game drew a large crowd and loud atmosphere. The intensity in the Academy dugout only escalated as the game went on.

The Academy squad came out hot in the first inning,  shutting down the Crusader offense and scoring five runs. While the Crusader offense remained quiet the rest of the game, the Jaguar line-up continued to produce hits and runs.

Tampa Catholic could not catch on to pitcher Alexandra Gerecke and was unsuccessful in getting on the scoreboard. By the bottom of the sixth inning, the Jaguars reached the ten run mark forcing the ten run rule to be put into effect.

Junior starting catcher Janelle Enriquez knew the team was prepared with the right mindset and was happy with the outcome. “The outcome excited me because TC is our district rival and to beat them is a great accomplishment on our part.”

Academy topped Tampa Catholic 10-0 and improved to a record of five wins and no losses with this win.