Colby Reish delivered a two out line drive single to the right-centerfield gap to drive in the game winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning to ignite the celebration.
The Montverde Academy softball team captured the 2024 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A state championship with a dramatic 2-1 win in eight innings over defending state champion Calvary Christian at Legends Way Ballfield on Wednesday evening.
With the game tied 1-1, two outs, bases loaded and a 2-1 count, Reish drove the ball into the gap just out of the reach of the Calvary Christian right fielder and center fielder as the ball bounced to the fence. Ari Jimenez, who was on third, trotted in to score the game winner to seal the state championship for the Eagles.
After a scoreless tie after seven innings, the Warriors took the lead in the top half of the eighth when the runner placed on second base via international tiebreaker rule came into score after an MVA error.
In the bottom of the eighth, Jenna Meder was placed on second base to start. Then with one out, Jimenez placed down a bunt. The third baseman fielded the ball and threw to first, but the throw was dropped, which allowed Meder to score on the play and Jimenez moved to second.
Then with Leila Susaia at the plate, a passed ball by the Calvary Christian catcher moved Jimenez to third. The Warriors proceeded to intentionally walk Susaia as well as the next batter, Danika Spinogatti.
Then with two outs and bases still loaded, Reish delivered the game winner.
"It feels amazing. I am so glad I can experience this with my amazing teammates that I have had this year," Reish said. "I am going to remember this moment for my entire life, it's the best feeling ever."
The Eagles had six hits in the contest, including three by Taboas who was 3-for-4 with a triple. Elena Friedman and La'Breah Sands also had one hit each, along with Reish's game winner.
"From top to bottom it was a team effort. I couldn't ask for any more from these girls," head coach Kahley Armstrong said. "And in the last inning, coming in clutch with the small ball game, bunts to move runners, making the other team commit errors, it's what we've done all season."
Nevaeh Williams earned the win in the circle after pitching eight innings and allowing one (unearned) run on six hits with nine strikeouts. Her nine strikeouts upped her total to 152 for the season, setting a new MVA record for most strikeouts by an MVA pitcher in one season.
With the win, MVA's season ends with a 28-4 overall record and state champions for the first time in program history.
The win also marks the fourth state championship by Montverde Academy teams during the 2023-24 academic year, joining girls soccer, boys track & field and girls track & field.
