Softball Recap: Make It Three in a Row for Tampa Catholic

Crusaders

Previous 3 Games

03/13/25 vs Academy of the Holy Names	9-7
03/08/25 vs Auburndale	15-3
03/08/25 vs Academy of the Holy Names	5-1

Tampa Catholic had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Thursday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Academy of the Holy Names Jaguars, sneaking past 9-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Crusaders have posted since March 13, 2024.

Olivia Ricciardi was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out six over 4.1 innings pitched. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one triple. That triple marked the first that she hit this season.

In other batting news, Tampa Catholic let Jada Johnson and Bella Busciglio run wild. Johnson went 1-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs, while Busciglio scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits Busciglio has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Raegan Kirchen, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

Tampa Catholic pushed their record up to 5-4 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Academy of the Holy Names, their defeat ended a nine-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 4-5.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Tampa Catholic will welcome Buchholz at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Academy of the Holy Names will have a little extra prep time after the loss as they won't be playing again for a while. They'll take on Osceola at 6:00 p.m. on March 26th.