Powerful pitching is key in softball. Academy at the Lakes remains at the top of the rankings thanks in part to having Lexi Kilfoyl on the mound. Plant City vaulted up the rankings this week, moving from No. 10 to No. 2, due mostly to the performance of Ashley Blessin. The senior already has set the school’s career record for strikeouts and fanned a state-best 89 batters this season, 22 more than anyone else.
The Elite
1. Academy at the Lakes (2-0)
Up next: Tuesday vs. Foundation Christian Academy; Thursday vs. Lakeside Christian
Why they stayed put: The Wildcats were able to cruise last week, beating Hernando Christian Academy 15-0 in a game that was called after three innings because of the mercy rule. USF commit Devyne Davis got the start and allowed one hit in her inning of work. Mia Fields, a seventh-grader, picked up the win. Lexi Kilfyol, who was named the top pitcher on MaxPreps’ 2019 national All-American preseason team, did most of her damage at the plate. The Alabama signee was 4-for-4. FSU commit Brooke Blankenship and Tristen Gittens each had two hits.