Bulldogs
| 04/10/25 vs Lake Weir | 12 |
| 04/08/25 @ Cornerstone Charter Academy | 0 |
| 04/03/25 @ Ocoee | 2 |
| 04/01/25 vs South Lake | 10 |
| 03/28/25 vs Lake Minneola | 12 |
| + 13 more games |
Umatilla is 0-10 against Eustis since March of 2016 but things could change on Friday. The Bulldogs will host the Panthers at 7:00 p.m. Umatilla is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
Umatilla took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They blew past Lake Weir 12-4. The high-scoring effort was just what the Bulldogs needed considering they were shut out in their previous game.
Hailey Bates made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched seven innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in strikeouts (five). She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
Bates wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jaelyn Larsen, who went 2-for-3 with two triples, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most triples Larsen has posted since back in February. Another was Brook Thomas, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Wednesday just wasn't the day for Eustis' offense. They lost 12-0 to Montverde Academy on Wednesday. Having soared to a lofty 12 runs in the game before, the Panthers' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Eustis has also traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 11-4 record this season. As for Umatilla, they moved to 6-12 with that win, which also ended their three-game losing streak.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Umatilla hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .337. However, it's not like Eustis struggles in that department as they've averaged .341. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Umatilla suffered a grim 11-0 defeat to Eustis in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
