That year, upstart Eustis announced it arrival on the state softball scene by giving a powerhouse all it could handle. Against Coral Springs Charter, which was in midst of a streak that ended in 2019 with five straight championships, the Panthers took a 1-0 lead into the sixth inning before falling 2-1.
Since then, the Panther Nation has been bottling up energy like a carbonated drink that has keeps getting shaken up.
And when the final out was recorded Friday, the proverbial bottle was finally opened.
“This feels amazing,” said pitcher Libby Levendoski, who uncapped the celebration, fittingly, with a strikeout her 16th of the game. It was the final brushstroke of a masterpiece for the sophomore, who allowed only two hits in the biggest game of her life.