Lopsided loss ends a breakthrough season for Schoolhouse Prep softball
Schoolhouse Prep had been gradually building up its softball program in recent years, hoping to become a state championship contender.
The Wolfpack took a big step in that direction this season, by becoming the top team in Region 4-1A and securing that championship to earn their first trip to the state final four.
But on Tuesday, Schoolhouse Prep got a taste of how challenging the next step toward potentially winning a state championship one day will be.
The Wolfpack fell behind quickly and suffered a lopsided, 12-2 loss to Jacksonville University Christian in a Class 1A state semifinal at Boombah Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.
University Christian (20-4) scored nine runs in the first inning and cruised to Wednesday’s 1A final against Casselberry Geneva.
The Wolfpack (16-12) endured that nightmarish first and tried to battle back with two runs in the fifth to cut the deficit to 10-2. But University Christian struck for two more in the bottom half to prompt the mercy rule.
Senior Danyela Mandujano had two doubles and an RBI to lead Schoolhouse Prep at the plate. Junior Karen Salgado also had a single and an RBI, and junior Romina Sotelo had a single.
The Wolfpack graduates six seniors, but according to coach Henry Laurido, they expect to return a strong core led by talented juniors, which he hopes will have them in contention against the state’s best next season.
“We will be back next year for sure and with more experience,” Laurido said.
