Italy — Showing the heart of a champion, the big-game experience of the Italy Lady Gladiators proved to be the difference in a nail-biter against Itasca with the outcome not decided until the game’s final play. Despite a strong effort by the Lady Wampus Cats, Italy pitcher Jaclynn Lewis and catcher Alyssa Richards kept their teammates moving forward in an uphill battle of a win over district foe Itasca, 6-5.

Fueled by a 2-run double from Paige Westbrook and home plate slide by Lewis following a bad pitch, Italy gets a game-tying out-of-the park homerun by Richards, a triple by Lewis and game-winning RBI single from Tara Wallis to keep Italy’s undefeated district mark untainted. There is still work to do but Italy has ensured themselves, at least, a share of the district championship title along with a spot in the playoffs after the dramatics of this past Tuesday on Italy’s home field.

Enjoy additional images from the game!

Go Lady Gladiators!