Jayden Heavener just kept pitching. She was confident that at some point against Navarre, the offensive firepower would shine through for the Patriots and put the game out of reach.
That happened in the final two innings of a six-inning affair called early because of the mercy rule, the Patriots scoring nine runs in that stretch to secure a 12-1 victory on the road Monday night.
Jay’s softball team closed out 2022 with all the momentum in the world. The Royals won 18 consecutive games, punctuating the streak with the program’s first state championship.
Seven games into 2023, the Royals didn’t look like their usual selves, sitting at 2-5.
Milton notched a much-needed win on senior night Friday, rolling past Fort Walton Beach 11-4.
A seven-run second inning provided the offense the Panthers needed while Gracie Bonds got the job done in the circle as Milton bounced back after two consecutive losses.
Jackson McDonald wasn’t sure if he’d get to compete in the pole vault this season.
A football injury that he suffered in Milton’s second game of the year left his senior season in track and field hanging in the balance.
Ahead only 4-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth Tuesday night against Navarre, Pace needed to find a way to take control of the game.
The reigning 6A state runner-up soon did that, scoring six runs in the inning to pull away for a 12-5 win.
Lauryn Hatler wanted one final goal. She had already scored seven in what would be a 17-6 win over Washington on a Thursday night in late March, but it was the eighth one that mattered most.
It wasn’t that the Milton lacrosse standout was hoping to merely pad her stats, but rather it was about reaching the milestone of 100 career goals.
Jayson Alford had a scary moment at a meet last week, face planting on the platform after not bailing in time on a snatch attempt. It left him with a noticeable gash on his head.
“Instead of bailing, I tried to save it. I’m stubborn,” Alford said with a laugh. “But I was able to finish the meet. I’m glad I was OK.”
Playing on a minor league is a big deal. Just ask Jay shortstop Ethan McDonald.
He and his teammates had a chance to experience that last week when the Royals battled Northview in a 1A showdown at Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola.
Don’t get Caleb Locklin wrong. He loves to run races.
But one might be surprised to learn the Central track standout might love the part of the sport that leads up to meet day even more.
Mallory Baker already has her college commitment lined up. The Pace junior is headed to Northwest Florida State to continue her softball career once she graduates.
Baker also seems to have things lined up well on the field this season for the unbeaten state- and nationally-ranked Patriot softball team.
