Canterbury freshman Danielle Romanello and Kama Woodall don’t know how to end a season with a loss.

The duo played a huge role in making sure they didn’t find out this season.

Canterbury won its second-consecutive state title, and third in four years, by defeating Aucilla Christian 1-0 in the Class 2A State Softball Championship. 

Romanello hit the game winner when she tripled to left field in the bottom of the sixth scoring freshman Taylor Bump. Woodall gave up only two hits and struck out 13, including three straight to get out of a jam in the bottom of the second.

“It feels really good because we know we’ve worked hard all season to get back to where we were last year,” Woodall said. “We’re just trying to finish out every season the way we want it to be.”

After cruising through the playoff bracket, the Lady Crusaders tough regular-season schedule paid off after they found themselves in a tight game against Aucilla.

Canterbury exercised its patience to get a good feel for Aucilla pitcher Whitney Stevens. The senior pitcher, who gave up four hits, one earned run and struck out eight, put a lot of spin on the ball that the Canterbury batters had to figure out.

Romanello showed signs in the top of the fourth when she lined a single to center field. Then when Bump got on base in the top of the sixth, coach Jody Moore knew the time had come.

“I knew we were going to catch up to the pitching,” Moore said.

And just like last year, Canterbury brought some drama to close out the game. Woodall’s throwing error and a walk put Aucilla runners at first and second.

But the Lady Crusaders rallied for three-straight outs to clinch the victory.

“When we (came) out on January 7, we just (thought) of this day,” Romanello said. “And we (worked) every day to come to this day and wear the gold at the end of the game.”