Orlando Christian Prep

The OCP Softball team opened their inaugural playoff game as district champions on Wednesday against a familiar opponent, Legacy Charter Academy, at home in the Class 2A Regional Quarterfinals. The familiarity produced a familiar outcome as the Lady Warriors defeated the Eagles 5-1 behind a complete game pitching performance by sophomore Grace Thomas.

Thomas pitched seven full innings struck out six batters, allowing four hits, and one earned run, which came in the top of the second inning.

Offensively, OCP (16-7) jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Legacy made some good defensive plays to keep OCP off the basepads in the next three innings.

In the bottom of the 5th inning, after drawing a walk, sophomore Carlee Cruz added the first of two runs in the inning with good base-running. Then, freshman Aracelis Jimenez beat out a throw to first after laying down a bunt then stole second and third base to set up another score. Jimenez stole three of the teams five bases in the game. 

Freshman Mia Rosario, who was snagging balls out of the air at shortstop as the Eagles tried to produce hits in the middle innings, doubled in the bottom of the 6th inning and then scored the team's 5th and final run of the ball game before a lightning delay held off the celebration for several minutes. 

After the delay, Thomas closed the book on the Eagles and the Lady Warriors with their fans celebrated the program's first playoff victory in school history.

OCP will host the Mt. Dora Christian Academy Bulldogs, who defeated Trinity Christian Academy (Deltona) 4-0, on Tuesday May 11, 4:30 pm at Azalea Park Little League in the regional semifinals. 

The Lady Warriors are ranked 10th in the latest MaxPreps FHSAA Class 2A rankings. Mt. Dora Christian Academy is ranked 4th. The teams have played four common opponents, Foundation Academy (Winter Garden), Legacy Charter Academy (Ocoee), Trinity Catholic (Ocala) and Trinity Christian Academy (Deltona). MDCA is 6-0 in those contests scoring an average of 9.33 runs per game. OCP is 8-1 in those contests with an average of 10.33 runs scored per game. The only loss was to Trinity Catholic by a score of 4-3.

Admission will be $7. Temperature checks will be done at the gate and face coverings must be worn by spectators.