The week of the Plant game has always been an exciting time for the Lady Knights, but the atmosphere leading up to game day was a bit different this time around. There were no doubts, no hesitations. For the first time in years, the players knew that this game was theirs. Thus, for the first time since 1984, the Lady Knights shutout the Panthers 4-0.

“We’ve been wanting this ever since my freshman year,” starting pitcher Cassidy Renninger (’18) said. “We finally got here. We finally did it.”

The Lady Knights struck early in the game, with Alexis Smith (’19) scoring the first run. Jordan McDaniel (’17), Olivia Longshore (’17) and Tara White (’18) added to the lead in the third and fourth innings.

The Lady Knights made no errors in the game, but the final inning raised goosebumps as Renninger gave up her only hit of the night to Plant’s Grace Hastings-Wydetic (’18). Alex Kirkner (’20) fielded the ground ball to end the game and make history for the Lady Knights.

“My teammates have been here before and haven’t been successful in beating Plant,” Kirkner said. “I am just happy I can contribute in accomplishing one of the goals we have had for a long time.”

Robinson head coach Ed Gallio declined to comment on the win.

The Lady Knights face Blake next on Tuesday, March 21, at Robinson High School (6311 S Lois Ave, Tampa, FL 33616) at 7 p.m.