Grandview Prep is back in the Class 2A state softball championship game for the second straight season.
Grandview Prep catcher Summer Burgess had three hits Thursday in the Pride’s 13-7 win against Mount Dora Christian.
Summer Burgess went 3-for-3 with three runs, and Caitlin Rolston pitched a complete game to lead the Pride to a 13-7 victory against Mount Dora Christian in a semifinal contest.
The game was delayed a day by rain and lightning, which wiped out all of yesterday’s schedule.
“We beat a very good Mount Dora Christian team,” Pride coach Joe Dawson said. “They came out and jumped on us right away, and put a lot of pressure on us. But our three senior leaders really came through today – Caitlin on the mound, Summer catching and (third baseman) Danielle Krebs with a couple of nice hits for us. We’re really proud of our older kids.”
Grandview Prep (14-3) will face defending state champion Monticello-Aucilla Christian (19-5) in the state title game at 2:35 p.m. The Warriors defeated St. Petersburg-Canterbury 9-1 in the other semifinal.
Aucilla Christian, ranked No. 1 in the state, defeated the Pride in last year’s Class 2A state championship game.
“They are the best team, could be in all classifications,” Dawson said. “We know they’re great, but we really like our team and how we’re playing. We’re happy to be here, and we’re glad to have the chance to hopefully play for a title.”
Grandview Prep struck first, scoring a run in the top of the first on a two-out RBI single by freshman second baseman Emma Coviello.
The Bulldogs came right back in their half of the inning, taking a 2-1 lead on an RBI groundout by Emilee Burford and a wild pitch. Mount Dora drew three walks in the inning, and sent seven batters to the plate.
The Pride went back on top in the third, scoring three runs on four walks and a pair of throwing errors for a 4-2 lead. Grandview Prep sent eight batters to the plate in the inning, and left two on base.
The Bulldogs got a run back in the bottom of the third to cut Grandview’s lead to 4-3, but the Pride added four runs in the fourth to go up 8-3.
Mount Dora Christian went to its third pitcher in the fourth after its first two pitchers struggled with their control. Seventh-grader Karlee Steele finished out the inning for the Bulldogs.
Mount Dora Christian went back to its starter, Emily Curley, in the seventh.
The Pride broke through for five runs in the sixth to put the game away.
“I think all the hard work has paid off, and it feels good to be here,” Rolston said.
