It was a slow start in every way in the 9A State Championship game, a pushed back 9:20 p.m. opening pitch coupled with a scoreless game through the first five innings. Reigning state champs West Orange High School facing Palm Harbor University who last won a state title in 2005.
It took to the bottom of the third inning for a runner to even get in scoring position, with Hurricanes on first and second base, but West Orange ace and Georgia-signee Lauren Mathis struck out Taylor Scott to keep it 0-0.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Warriors got in scoring position in a big way as junior Lexie Blair hit a triple to start the inning. The Michigan commit was brought home with a sacrifice fly for the first score of the night, 1-0.
In the bottom of the seventh the Hurricanes fought back hard, loading the bases with one out. But Mathis struck out Jalynn Ford looking and Jada Radecki lined out to shortstop Amanda Fleming.
Mathis finished the night with 13 strikeouts.