The Fort Walton Beach High School varsity softball team secured a 3-1 home regional playoff win against Fleming Island (Orange Park, FL) on Wednesday as part of the 2024 FHSAA Softball State Championships – 5A FHSAA Softball tournament.
Fleming Island took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning, but the Vikings responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. Fort Walton Beach added an insurance run in the fifth inning to seal the victory.
Fort Walton Beach’s offense was led by junior Alyx Hall, who went 3-for-3 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs. Sophomore Hannah Isham also had a strong performance, going 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored.
- On the mound, senior Ava Smith pitched a complete game for the Vikings, allowing just one run on one hit while striking out nine batters and walking five over seven innings.
Sophomore Aubree Davis contributed to the Vikings’ offense, going 1-for-4 with a stolen base. Davis also played well defensively, recording nine putouts.
- Sophomore Rilyn Douglas had a productive day at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI. Douglas also helped turn a double play on defense, showcasing her fielding skills.
Fleming Island’s lone hit came from junior Emma Massey, who hit a double in the third inning. The Vikings’ defense committed one error, while the Golden Eagles had one defensive miscue.
With the win, the Vikings advance to the next round of the playoffs and will face-off against the winner of Thursday’s game between Gulf Breeze and Matanzas. Their next game is slated for May 15.
