WO softball falls to Apopka on road, 6-5

APOPKA — A diving catch was all that separated the West Orange softball team from completing a comeback and tying things up on Friday night in a road game against the rival Apopka Blue Darters.

Apopka center fielder Julia Wright dove and caught a well-hit ball by Lexie Blair that, in all likelihood, would have scored Kelsey Morrison, who stood on second base. 

Instead, the catch ended the game, giving the Blue Darters a 6-5 victory — and the Warriors (9-1) their first loss of the season. 

The game’s final out cut short a rally by West Orange, which had trailed by three runs, 6-3. A solo home run by FSU-signee Sabrina Stutsman earlier in the inning had energized the Warriors’ dugout and fans who had made the trip north to Apopka.

“These girls don’t quit and they showed that,” coach Todd LaNeave said. “We missed some balls early in the game that, the game would have been closer … and we wouldn’t have gotten down 6-3. But they’re going to fight, and they’re going to continue to fight, and I’m proud of them for that.”

Stutsman had two total RBIs on the night, as did Kori Peterson.

West Orange returns to action on Tuesday at Timber Creek. The Warriors will get another shot at the Blue Darters (6-2) on March 17 in Winter Garden — a game that will be broadcast on live television by Bright House Sports Network.