By Andy Villamarzo
Hernando Sun sports contributor
BROOKSVILLE- When it comes down to the historical rivalry between the Hernando Leopards and Springstead Eagles in softball, both programs have seen their fair of success in the last few years.
But when the two rivals met one-time last season, Hernando started to show its dominance, as they defeated Springstead 17-7 in 2020. The Leopards left no doubt once again who the dominant squad was, as Hernando breezed past Springstead 11-1 Tuesday night.
The Leopards improve their record to 6-0 on the season, while the Eagles have fallen to 0-3 to start the 2021 campaign. Hernando (6-0) has been on a complete tear through six games, as the Leopards have scored 68 runs and yielded only 12. Through eight games in 2020, Hernando was 6-2 and displayed some of the batting firepower they have at the plate.
The two top runs batted in players for Hernando have been senior Olivia Townsend and Hanna Taylor. Townsend has driven in a team-high 11 runs and Taylor leads the Leopards with two home runs. Townsend has also been the ace pitcher for Hernando so far, making five appearances and winning two games, striking out 14 batters.
Townsend was efficient in her outing against the Eagles on Tuesday, going four innings, allowing six hits, and striking out four before giving way to relief pitcher Savannah Ellis in the final two innings. Taylor notched two runs batted in, as the Leopards ran away with the game early on.
Springstead had one batter with multiple hits, while Raquel Camuglia had two on the night. Games up next for the two clubs include Hernando hosting Lecanto and Springstead traveling to Weeki Wachee.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.