Wildcats
| 03/04/25 vs Anclote | 29 |
| 02/27/25 @ Wiregrass Ranch | 4 |
| 02/21/25 @ Zephyrhills | 3 |
| 02/18/25 @ Cypress Creek | 8 |
We've got a battle between Wildcats coming up. Academy at the Lakes is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with four defeats in a row dating back to last season, Academy at the Lakes turned things around against Anclote on Tuesday. They never let the Sharks get on the board and left with a 29-0 win. The Wildcats' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Elizabeth Budine made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Budine was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4. Those runs marked the first that she scored this season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Nola Reilly, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and four RBI. She also got three hits, marking her first of the season. Gabby Romans was another key player, scoring four runs while going 3-for-3.
Academy at the Lakes kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 18 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, Wesley Chapel came up short against Land O' Lakes on Tuesday and fell 9-5.
Wesley Chapel also got a good showing from Ashley Bolt, who didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. Furthermore, Bolt didn't allow a single earned run, the first time she has blanked an opponent since back in April of 2024.
At the plate, Taylor Ramsey made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one double. Another player making a difference was Bailey Garrison, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
Academy at the Lakes pushed their record up to 1-3 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season. A key ingredient in that success has been their performance when it comes to strikeouts: they averaged an imposing 9.75 strikeouts in those games compared to only 2.67 in the others. As for Wesley Chapel, their loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 3-3.
Academy at the Lakes' speedy runners might be the difference in Wednesday's matchup. Academy at the Lakes has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Wesley Chapel, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Academy at the Lakes continue to outrun the ball?
Academy at the Lakes came out on top in a nail-biter against Wesley Chapel when the teams last played back in February of 2024, sneaking past 6-4. Does Academy at the Lakes have another victory up their sleeve, or will Wesley Chapel turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
