Eustis, the state’s top-ranked team in Class 4A, claimed its first FHSAA softball state championship in decisive fashion Friday night.
Sophomore pitcher Libby Levendoski struck out 16 batters as the Panthers (27-1) won 5-0 against Brooksville Hernando (26-5) in front of a spirited crowd at Legends Way Ballfields.
Levendoski dropped to her knees and buried her face in the palms of her hands after the final out before being mobbed by teammates in the pitching circle.
“I’ve been thinking of this moment for a month or two,” Levendoski said with a smile. “All the workouts and all the [running] suicides and throwing up in the field from running too much was worth it.