Lady Mustangs denied state berth

The Lakewood Ranch High softball team saw its season come to an end with a 2-1 loss to Melbourne in the Class 7A-Region 3 finals May 5.

It was the Lady Mustangs third-consecutive regional final appearance. Lakewood won its previous two regional final appearances, falling in the state semifinals each of the past two years.

Melbourne took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Lakewood elected to throw through to second base to catch the runner trying to steal. But the Lady Bulldogs leadoff hitter scored before the Lady Mustangs made the out.

Lakewood tied the game in the bottom of the fifth inning on a RBI single by Maddie Biggs, which drove in catcher Talli Sharp, who drew a walk.

Melbourne regained the lead in the top of the sixth inning.

Lakewood had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when center fielder Jackie Schoff hit a single, stole second base and reached third base on an error. Biggs drew a walk before Melbourne pitcher Shelby Alsford recorded a strikeout to end the game.

Lakewood finished the season 21-8. It also ended coach Tony Cummins’ stint at Lakewood. Cummins stepped down after the game.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].