The First Academy hasn't had much luck against Montverde Academy recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Royals will face off against the Eagles at 6:00 p.m. The First Academy is coming into the contest hot, having won their last five games.
The First Academy is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Cornerstone Charter Academy a 5-0 shutout.
Cornerstone Charter Academy's batters probably weren't too happy with Alaina Surber, who pitched a no hitter and racked up eight Ks (she gave up five walks).
On the hitting side, Luna Taboas was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Sulexy Falcon was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Montverde Academy made easy work of Lake Highland Prep on Tuesday and carried off a 15-0 victory. Considering the Eagles have won seven games by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Missy Odom made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out eight batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than one walk in nine consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Andrea Gomez and Audrey Vivino did most of the damage at the plate: Gomez went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run and two RBI, while Vivino went 1-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most runs Vivino has posted since back in February. The team also got some help courtesy of Kanora Diederichs, who went 1-for-2 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Montverde Academy hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in three consecutive matchups.
The First Academy's record now sits at 19-3. As for Montverde Academy, their record is now 18-4.
The First Academy's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Royals have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Montverde Academy, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will The First Academy continue to outrun the ball?
The First Academy suffered a grim 14-0 defeat to Montverde Academy in their previous meeting back in May of 2025. Can the Royals avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
