Orlando Christian Prep

It might have been the moment. It might have been the opponent. Regardless of the why, the disappointment of a season-ending 9-4 loss to Mount Dora Christian Academy (MDCA) for the Lady Warriors softball team was clear on the face of every young lady that took a knee and settled into a circle around their coaches after the final out.

As they listened to the words of encouragement and praise for their historic accomplishments, their faces shown more disappointment for not have a few more innings to complete a comeback than frustration for the way the game started.

During a season that saw the team capture the program's first district championship, host and win their first FHSAA regional playoff game, OCP, fought like champions after surrendering seven unanswered runs in the first four top-half innings to the 4th ranked team in class 2A, according to MaxPreps.

OCP, ranked #10 in 2A by MaxPrep heading into the contest, gave up two runs in each of the first three innings, including a mammoth 2-run home run in the 2nd inning that resulted in a pitching change. MDCA managed to get just five total hits in the contest thanks to some solid relief pitching by freshman Mia Rosario and sophomore Grace Thomas. 

The Warriors powerful batting lineup didn't get into their second at-bats until the bottom of the 4th inning where they finally managed to break-up MDCA's shutout with two runs to cut the deficit to five runs.

In the bottom of the 5th, OCP forced MDCA into making a pitching change from their senior starter who had struck out five and was dominant early. Unfortunately, the Warriors weren't able to capitalize with runners on the bases.

After surrendering another 2-run homer in the top of the 6th inning, OCP cut the deficit back to five runs in the bottom half of the inning on freshman Lexi Perez's 2-run home run.

Despite outscoring MDCA 4-2 in the last half of the game, OCP wasn't able to overcome their earlier mistakes as Mt. Dora Christian would advance to the regional championship game.

As family, friends, classmates, teachers and administrators waited to congratulate the Lady Warriors on their "no quit", "never give up" attitude, the highlight moments of this season will not be lost on their youth. 

The starting nine on the field for the first pitch of this regional semifinal game consisted of just two upperclassmen, senior LF Christina Torres and junior 1B Dayanara Perez.  Torres is the only graduating player on the roster.  A solid core of freshman and sophomores, led by the Rosario twins, Thomas and (Lexi) Perez, will return from a 16-8 team that closed the season ranked 11th in 2A by MaxPreps.

Congratulations to Coach Dustin Schneider, his coaching staff, the players and their families on a great season... a historic season that opens the door for greater accomplishments ahead.

GO WARRIORS!