Oakleaf softball celebrates 1st state title

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Since Oakleaf High School opened in 2010, the Knights softball team has made the playoffs every single year. On Saturday, the Knights used a four-run seventh inning to beat Wellington 6-1 and claim the Class 8A softball championship.

“It’s pretty awesome to be able to hold this trophy for the state title and to be able to say we’re the first team in school history to have a state championship,” said Knights second basemen Alex Acevedo.

At one point last season Oakleaf wasn’t just the top ranked team in Florida, they were ranked No. 1 in the entire country. Despite that honor the Knights were upset in the regionals. They were determined to not have a repeat of what happened in 2016.

“Ultimately we didn’t buy into the rankings this year,” said Knights head coach Christina Thompson. “We didn’t talk about it, we didn’t discuss it. After that Strawberry Crest loss last year knocked us out that was the turning point for us. Everybody thinks the season starts in January. Our season started that next day. We’ve literally worked tirelessly for a year to get to this point.”