WEST PALM BEACH — Oxbridge softball nearly saw its six-game win streak snapped during a Tuesday afternoon visit from Palmer Trinity. Not so fast, thanks to a speedy performance from the Thunderwolves' speedy centerfielder Gabby Edwards.

The senior's three runs on three hits, highlighted by a home run to score sophomore Hadley Krasulak, helped the 2023 state semifinalists avoid what could've been their second loss of the season.

Now, Oxbridge has received a much-needed wakeup call on a journey they hope will end with a third consecutive appearance in Clermont.

Palm Beach County softball: Pitchers you should know for 2024 season

Bases Loaded: Your fan guide to Palm Beach County high school softball

How it happened

Palmer Trinity junior Mela Fajardo doubled through left field and brought home freshman Hailey Rodriguez for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the first, freshman pitcher Emily Cerda headed back into the dugout after striking out one Oxbridge player and walking two, the ThunderWolves still scoreless after a pop fly ended the inning.

"They have no energy so let's just hit," Cerda told her teammates.

And so the ThunderWolves got their beauty sleep until the bottom of the fourth inning.

Florida State signee Bella Ruggiero drove an RBI double through leftfield scoring Edwards and freshman Ila Trueblood, tying up the game.

A rude awakening came soon after, but it was what the bats needed

Oxbridge freshman Isabella LaForte was looking to steal home and she made a push heading into the plate that resulted in officials throwing her out of the game for what Palmer Trinity coach Jennifer Cerda called "malicious contact" in the Falcons' dugout.

The ThunderWolves put up six more runs to go into the fifth inning with an unbeatable 8-2 advantage.

"I was mid at-bat when Isabella got thrown out at home. Getting to know Bella this season, her intention was not to cause any harm. She is a great kid with a very lively spirit," senior captain and infielder Alexa Muller said.

"As a freshman, being put into games can be very nerve-wracking and I think she was just focused on trying to be safe at home."

Young and hungry ThunderWolves learning along the way

For Oxbridge, this spring has been all about getting through the growing pains.

There are highly-touted upperclassmen like Ruggiero and Muller, who is set to continue her athletic and academic career at Harvard. In the mix are unsung heroes like uncommitted Edwards, not remembered often enough for moments like her walk-off run to see the ThunderWolves reach the region championship last season.

"I feel my role is very important this season, as it's my job to get on and keep the energy flowing in the lineup," Edwards said. She's leading the roster this spring with 16 runs in nine games after totaling 14 through 21 appearances last season.

"She never fails to make us laugh and keep us on our toes," Muller said of her teammate. "Gabby has really stepped up this year and become a big part of our team. She's been very selfless, sacrificing a lot of at-bats to lay down bunts. She's incredibly fast, too."

Edwards' turbos were on full display against the Falcons as she beat every attempted tag at first base and beyond.

"It's imperative that I get my bunts down and do my job so that I can get on and move other runners over in the scoring position. It felt great today to beat out tags and get myself in scoring position to help my team get runs on the board," Edwards said.

But Oxbridge's defense, which involves four total freshmen and three sophomores, saw youth rear its head for much of Tuesday's outing. However, Muller thought her team performed "well," especially compared to the top of the season.

"We've been prioritizing in-game situations at practice and those mental reps have definitely transitioned over to our game," Muller said.

Oddly enough, when it came to what Oxbridge needs most moving forward, Muller echoed what the younger Cerda said emerging from the circle.

More passion, more energy

"Constantly being loud in the dugout is going to be the biggest gamechanger for this team. Once that's established, these games will be intense through and through," Muller said. "That simple aspect being implemented will take this team from good to great.

"My role on the team since freshman year has always been to be the voice on the field. I never like to stay quiet and that carries into the dugout."

Muller was proven against Palmer Trinity. Not just while she and her remaining teammates chirped and joked about ejecting each other from the game following LaForte's contested exit.

Oxbridge got on the board with Ruggiero as soon as the dugout cheered, "B-E-L-L-A! Let's go Bella, all the way!

Edwards agreed with Muller.

"Oxbridge's senior leadership is motivating and driving the young ones to put their all out in every game, where they are recognizing the same energy and potential in themselves that they see in our seniors," she said.

"One thing is for certain, this team has a lot of potential," Muller said.

"With an incredible amount of young talent, we can make it far again this season just like we have in years past."

Emilee Smarr is a sports reporter for the Palm Beach Post. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Oxbridge softball feeling confident about return to state at midway point