6A State Softball: Auburndale and Land O' Lakes fall in the semis

Auburndale couldn't have dreamed up a better start to their Class 6A state softball game.

Unfortunately, the game ended in a nightmare for the Bloodhounds. Arnold came from behind to beat Auburndale 8-7 and advance to the 6A championship game.

Auburndale opened the game with a six-run first inning. Sydney Smith kicked things off for the Bloodhounds with an RBI double. Kayla Sheffield made it 2-0 with an RBI single.

Then a series of walks helped Auburndale bolster their lead to 6-0. But Arnold answered in the bottom of the first with five runs of its own.

Auburndale added a run in the second when Caitlin Whitehead knocked one in with an RBI double. Then the Bloodhounds bats went cold.

And Arnold's got hot in the bottom of the sixth. With the Marlins down 7-6, Ashley Troutman's two-run single proved to be the dagger for Auburndale.

Arnold advances to the 6A title game where they will play American Heritage.

The Patriots defeated Land O' Lakes 5-0 in the other 6A semifinal.The title game will be carried LIVE on BHSN (Channel 47/HD 1147) Saturday at 12:30 p.m.