Marjory Stoneman Douglas Softball Team. {BCAA}
By: Matt Rothman
It has been a busy stretch for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas softball team, who competed in a pair of tournaments from April 7-12.
In the Orange Bowl Fast Invitational at Pompano Beach, The Eagles went 3-1, defeating St. Thomas Aquinas 6-1, Goleman 16-2, and LaBelle High Schools 7-0.
In their three wins, MSD received excellent performances on the mound. Between Jesyme Espinal, Victoria Diaz, and Bianca Guerra, the three starters threw 18 innings, allowing only two earned runs and recording 25 strikeouts.
Offensively, Addison Zajkowski led the way with seven hits and also drove in seven runs, including five against Goleman.
Olivia Alvarez, Diaz Isabella Silva all knocked in three, while Kylie Sack, Lucia Perez, Guerra, Espinal, Evelyn Patton, Kyla Davis, Arianna Reynolds, and Maddy Kirk had one.
“We played well against some of the best teams in the state, and it gives us confidence going into districts then regionals,” said Head Coach Brian Staubly.
MSD then was selected to play in the Broward Broward County Athletic Association Big-8 Tournament on Monday, featuring the top eight teams. However, the Eagles were matched up against Coral Springs Charter, who was 10-2.
With former Panther on the mound in Jesyne Espinal for MSD after transferring over, the game was tied heading into the bottom of the sixth. CSC went on to win 2-0 after Heather Robertson homered for the Panthers. Still, Espinal struck out ten and allowed only four hits. MSD then beat Cypress Bay in Tuesday’s second Big-8 Tournament game.
“We were in the Big Eight last year but had to pull out because we got shut down with COVID,” Coach Staubly added. “It’s always an honor to be selected as one of the best eight teams in Broward County.
Next, MSD will have a week off before they face off against Cooper City High School on Monday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. The Cowboys are currently 14-2 this season and won 11-5 in their last game in the Big-8 Tournament.