The Lady Knights (21-6) won 12-2 in a five-inning game Thursday, April 26, against Jefferson (11-11) to win their fifth consecutive district championship. By scoring nine runs in the bottom of the first inning, the Lady Knights were quickly able to secure the win.

“We always work on coming out strong and scoring runs in the first inning,” starting pitcher Cassidy Renninger (’18) said. “… it drags the other team down and drives our energy up.”

The Lady Knights scored in the first inning with a run in by Alexis Smith (’19). Soon after, an error by Jefferson led bases loaded for the Lady Knights. Tara White (’18) then hit a ball far to the left outfield to secure two more runs for her team.

Alex Kirker (’20), Tara White (’18), Alexis Smith and Ashlyn Brushwood (’19) all added to the lead to make it 7-1. Another Jefferson error allowed two more Lady Knights to cross the plate, ending the first inning with a 9-1 lead.

“It was good seeing the team come together and get great back-to-back hits, allowing us to score nine runs in the first inning,” Smith said.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Lady Knights stopped their opponents quickly, not allowing the Dragons to catch up to their lead. Brushwood and White both caught balls hit by the first two Jefferson players up to bat and quickly ended the Dragons’ inning for them. Not long after that, Smith ran in to make the final score for the Lady Knights, mercy ruling the Dragons 12-2.

After winning their fifth consecutive district championship, the Lady Knights will now advance to regional quarter finals next week.

The Lady Knights will play Land ‘O Lakes (21-6) at home next Wednesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. (6311 S. Lois Ave., 33616).

“We’re just getting ready for the next round,” Smith said. “This game was a stepping stone to regionals.”