The Columbia Tigers are state champions once again.
Freshman pitcher Ryleigh Stone delivered a complete-game performance in the circle, striking out nine batters while allowing just five hits in the championship victory. (https://www.wcjb.com)
Columbia jumped out early after catcher Emily Delgado ripped a two-run triple to right field, giving the Tigers momentum in the opening innings. Alannah Lord later added what proved to be a crucial insurance run with an RBI single. (https://www.wcjb.com)
Lake Wales attempted a late rally, but the Tigers held on defensively. With one out remaining in the seventh inning, Marlee Hunt secured the final out on a pop-up catch to seal the championship victory. (https://www.wcjb.com)
The title caps off an impressive postseason run for Columbia, which advanced to the championship game earlier in the week after a dramatic walk-off semifinal win over Seminole. (https://www.wcjb.com)
The championship marks Columbia’s first softball state title since 2013 and adds another historic moment to the program’s tradition. (https://www.wcjb.com)
Watch full video replay via MaxPreps here