Canterbury vs. Aucilla Christian - a rematch of last year's 2A state softball title game.
Same result, 1-0, different winner.
The Lady Warriors avenged last year's loss to the two-time defending state champs Canterbury with a 1-0 win in the 2A state semifinals Friday at Historic Dodgertown.
The Crusaders had a shot to make it three in a row, but their best chance at scoring ended in a tag out at home plate. Sophomore catcher Danielle Romanello reached third in the top of the sixth inning after stealing second then advancing after an Aucilla throwing error.
With two outs, sophomore shortstop Taylor Bump hit a fly ball to centerfield as Romanello took off.
"It's a bang, bang play," Coach Jody Moore said. "I'm a very aggressive base coach and nine out of 10 times, that rolls our way.
"We just can't leave it up to a bang, bang play."
Hits were at a premium for both teams. Pitchers Elizabeth Hightower, from Aucilla, and Kama Woodall were equally strong on the mound.
Hightower allowed just two hits while striking out 10. Woodall allowed three hits while striking out 12.
One of the Aucilla hits, a triple in the top of the third inning, led to the lone score when Ashlyn Rogers' RBI single scored Taylor Copeland.
"I think it came down to who hit more," Woodall said. "And I don't think the game shook out the way it should have."
Canterbury was aiming for history - three straight state titles, four in the past five years. Fans wore shirts that read "Let's Make History." They'll have to wait til next year.
"I told them nobody ever wants to end the season this way and they need to remember the way that it feels," Moore said. "I thanked the seniors for all the lessons and tools and the resources that they've given to us.
"And I challenged them to remember something from the event and move forward."