Class 2A defending state champion Canterbury won its first two games at the Gulliver Slamfest in Miami.
The Crusaders beat Punta Gorda Charlotte 5-4 and Miami Coral Reef — ranked No. 2 in Class 8A — 12-1 in five innings via the mercy rule.
Lindsay Graves was a combined 7-for-8 with two doubles and a triple and Kama Woodall and Taylor Bump each hit two home runs against Coral Reef.
“We were strong throughout the lineup offensively,” Crusaders coach Jody Moore said. “I think we surprised Coral Reef with how well we were hitting.”
Today, the Crusaders (8-2) face Ponte Vedra (No. 1 in 5A) in the semifinals.