Desoto — From beginning to end, the Italy Lady Gladiators controlled the game, owned the moment and seized the day to claim their undefeated district championship with big plays, special moments and sportsmanship and class. Waxahachie Faith Family gave it their all but the Lady Gladiators were simply not willing to be denied.

Italy recorded 8 hits and manufactured 15 runs in the top of the first-inning to set the tone for the game. With no outs, Italy could have scored more runs but Lady Gladiator head coach Wayne Rowe graciously conceded three outs to help Faith Family get out of the top half of the inning.

The combination of senior catcher Alyssa Richards and sophomore pitcher Jaclynn Lewis helped keep Faith Family’s offense stuck in neutral along with key defensive plays from freshmen Lillie Perry, K’Breona Davis, Hannah Washington and Britney Chambers with Chambers catching two fly balls in right field with the second grab ending the game.

With Italy up 24-0, Lewis moved to third base allowing Hannah Washington to play the bottom half of the third-inning as pitcher, a challenge she accepted with total confidence. Big sister Madison Washington took over as catcher allowing Richards to assume the role of catcher’s coach from the doorway of the dugout.

Faith Family managed a few runs but Italy’s freshman filled defense, with Ashlyn Jacinto at shortstop and Cassidy Childers at left field, came thru to get three outs and end secure a 24-3 victory for Italy.

Richards and her fellow seniors Morgan Cockerham and Katie Byers, along with junior Paige Westbrook and sophomores Tara Wallis, Bailey Eubank, Kelsey Nelson and Madison Washington were tremendous throughout district leading the team to an undefeated district championship while providing a positive example to rest of the underclassmen and even younger admirers watching from the other side of the fence.

Congratulations to Italy’s Ladies and good luck in the playoffs!

Go Italy!