PLANT CITY - While most players would have cried uncontrollably, the Canterbury softball team was all smiles after losing to Lake Mary Prep, 7-4, in the Class 1A state semifinals on Monday.
That's because the Crusaders (24-7) made history as the first program from the school to advance to a state tournament.
"We were just so thankful to be here that there was nothing to be sad about," senior Erika Surbaugh said.
Although they cherished the journey to the state tournament, there were moments during the game that the Crusaders may want to erase from their memories.
Canterbury committed several errors (three in the first three innings) that allowed Lake Mary to earn an early lead. The Griffins (25-5), who advances to today's 1A state championship against Jacksonville Eagle's View at 4 p.m., finished with 11 hits.
"Throwing the ball around hurt us," Coach Jody Moore said. "Throw the ball around [like that] and things get sloppy."
The Crusaders finished strong, however, scoring a run in each of the final four innings. They finished with five hits, including a triple from junior Macey Hall. Freshman pitcher Krissy Longstreet (6-6) struck out 10 batters in the loss while junior Chelsea Weiland had two hits with a run scored.
"I was very proud of every one of my players," Moore said. "No matter what, they kept their shoulders up and they kept playing."
The players said jitters didn't play a factor.
"Once we stepped on the field, our nerves went away," Hall said.
Canterbury graduates only two seniors from this year's squad.
"I know you'll be hearing from Canterbury again," Moore said.
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