Gulliver Falls To University School In Regional Rematch

University School must have been paying real attention in the offseason to the teams that defeated them in 2023. The Sharks served up their first dose of their Redemption 2024 tour last month when they defeated West Boca, a team that beat them last season.

On Wednesday night, it was Gulliver Prep’s turn to feel the wrath of the Sharks. Landon Petty, who was the losing pitcher in last years regional quarterfinal loss to the Raiders, was back on the hill Wednesday, and he delivered a masterful performance in a 3-1 University win.

“This was just another huge game for us,” said Sharks Manager Dan Rovetto. “Them beating us in regionals last year, and then for Landon to come back today and throw a gem. That was special.”

Petty went the distance, scattering seven hits, and allowing only one earned run, while striking out five.

Offensively, it was Rocco Rovetto who led the way, with three hits. The big hit came in the fifth inning, when Rovetto lined a single to left-field, driving in Griffin Pomper, who also had a double in the inning.

“Rocco was outstanding today, and that hit in the fifth inning gave us some breathing room in what was a really tight game to that point,” said the elder Rovetto. “Different parts of our offense clicked today, and it was enough with how Landon pitched, and how we played defensively.”

Gulliver Prep had their own strong mound performance, with starter Nico Ribera going five innings, allowing only two earned runs. Ronin Robles also contributed two shutout innings.

The Raiders have taken a bit of a step back in the early past of the season, as Wednesday’s loss ran their overall record to 3-5. The team advanced all the way to the state semifinals last season ,losing a heartbreaking game to at the time, two-time defending state champion North Broward Prep.

This year’s version of the Raiders is younger than the team that went to states, and growing pains are to be expected throughout the year.

As for the Sharks, their growing pain year was last year, and they appear like a team that is going to be a serious contender in 3A come May.

“This year has just been about doing all the things we have to do to get the program back to being an every year contender,” said Rovetto. “We are taking all the steps necessary, and winning on the road against quality teams is one of those steps.”

He went on.

“Gulliver is not an easy place to play. So for us to go down there and beat them after losing to them in the regional last year, I am very proud of how my boys responded today, and how they came out and played with the focus needed for us to continue to grow and be a good team.”

The Sharks are now 7-1, and sitting at #9 in the HSBN Broward Power Rankings. The schedule doesn’t get any easier the rest of this week. They host Dr, Krop Thursday, before a huge match up with Broward #10 Taravella on Saturday afternoon.

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