Oxbridge Academy softball makes history with first state championship

LONGWOOD — For the first time in program history, Oxbridge Academy softball has captured state hardware. The Thunderwolves took down Cornerstone Charter Academy 5-1 in a Class 2A state championship showdown at Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, Florida on Thursday, May 21. Ila Trueblood was pivotal on both sides of the ball, supporting another dominant performance from Aubrey Vital in the circle as the Thunderwolves made program history.

It was the first state championship appearance since 2017 for Oxbridge. This time, the Thunderwolves made it count. More: Oxbridge Academy softball crushes reigning champs to reach state final How it happened Between Oxbridge's Aubrey Vital and Cornerstone's Izzy Choquette, Thursday's title match proved to be a pitcher's duel, through and through.

That effort from Oxbridge was helped by Ila Trueblood, who starred in left field. With a runner on base, the junior made a sensational diving catch, going fully horizontal to reel in a fly ball peeling toward foul territory. After three shutout innings from both pitchers, it was the Ducks that broke through, playing small ball with a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly to score the first run of the game.

Then, it was the Thunderwolves' turn. It was once again Trueblood coming through it the clutch, leading off with a single, advancing to second, and stealing third base. Oxbridge loaded the bases to set up Vital, who helped her own cause with a soft liner for an RBI single.