Harvest Prep ends 12 Game Skid

 

Harvest Prep Warriors Softball: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Academic Excellence

By E. Temple| April 9, 2026

The Harvest Prep Warriors softball team has faced plenty of challenges this season, but the coaches Ed and Tonya Temple squad has shown remarkable resilience—a quality that extends far beyond the diamond.

Breaking Through the Slump

After struggling through a difficult stretch that included 12 consecutive losses dating back to last season, the Warriors finally broke through with a statement victory against Wellington School. The matchup that was supposed to start at 5: 15 (as all League games do) but didn't start till closer to 6:00 p.m. because the empires were misinformed about a 5:45 start, and The Wellington School had to get a second bus because the first one broke down.  This was the first victory against The Wellington School in the Temple's era (4 years). The Temples hadn't defeated The Wellington School in softball since they coached at Linden-McKinley High School in 2009. 

---

Harvest Prep Explodes for 15 Runs in Win Over Wellington School

The Harvest Preparatory School Warriors used a pair of big middle innings to pull away from Wellington School, securing a 15–8 conference victory on Wednesday.

After a relatively quiet start, the game quickly turned into an offensive showcase. Wellington struck first, building an early lead behind timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. The Jaguars tallied runs in multiple innings and finished with eight runs on eight hits while also swiping an impressive 20 stolen bases.

However, Harvest Prep responded in dominant fashion.

Trailing early, the Warriors found their rhythm in the fourth inning, erupting for six runs to take control of the game. They followed that with another six-run outburst in the fifth, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Offensively, Harvest Prep capitalized on consistent contact and pressure at the plate, finishing with 15 runs on 15 hits. The team also took advantage of control issues from Wellington pitching, drawing multiple walks and forcing defensive mistakes.

For Wellington, several players stood out at the plate:

• Avery Pugh led the way with a 3-for-4 performance and an RBI

• Micah Ehlers went a perfect 2-for-2 with an RBI

• Rebecca Oquendo added a hit and drove in a run

Despite the strong offensive effort, Wellington struggled to contain Harvest Prep’s surge. The Jaguars’ pitching staff allowed 15 runs (13 earned) over five innings, while also issuing walks that fueled the Warriors’ big innings.

Defensively, Wellington recorded a .750 fielding percentage and committed key errors that extended innings—something Harvest Prep took full advantage of during their explosive fourth and fifth frames.

The win highlights Harvest Prep’s ability to generate offense in bunches and adjust mid-game, turning a close contest into a decisive victory.

Statistical Leaders Making an Impact

According to MaxPreps data, several Warriors have emerged as key contributors. While the team continues to build its program, the coaching staff has emphasized player development across all positions. The Warriors' early season record (0-3 entering March) has since improved as players have found their rhythm.

Academic Excellence in the Classroom

What truly sets Harvest Prep apart is their dedication to academics. The softball program boasts the highest grade point averages in the entire school—a remarkable achievement that speaks to the character of these student-athletes. Players actively balance rigorous practice schedules with challenging coursework, proving they're champions in the classroom too.

Christ-Centered Emphasis

This team loves to share Christ.  

Freshmen Making a Difference

The freshman class has made an immediate impact. Several first-year players have earned significant playing time, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the roster. Their willingness to learn has accelerated the team's growth curve.

Senior Leadership drives Success

The senior class has provided invaluable leadership. Their experience and guidance have given the team a legitimate chance at a successful season. Through adversity, they've kept teammates focused and motivated—a hallmark of Harvest Prep athletics. Warriors Break Through with Statement Win Over Wellington

Harvest Prep Ends Losing Skid Behind Big Bats and Strong Pitching

The Harvest Preparatory School softball team delivered a long-awaited breakthrough performance at home, defeating Wellington School by a final score of 15–8. The victory snapped an early-season losing skid and lifted what many around the team described as a lingering “monkey on their back,” giving the Warriors renewed confidence moving forward.

From the opening inning, Harvest Prep showed the kind of offensive firepower that had been building beneath the surface. The Warriors were led at the plate by several of the team's statistical leaders, including Chayleah Cumberlander, who entered the game leading the team in RBIs and slugging percentage. Her continued production at the plate helped set the tone for an aggressive offensive approach that paid off throughout the lineup.

One of the biggest moments of the afternoon came when Tofunmi Aluko launched a towering home run that energized the crowd and gave the Warriors critical momentum. The blast highlighted the team’s ability to deliver extra-base power at key moments and helped widen the scoring gap against Wellington.

In the circle, Mya Donaldson delivered a strong pitching performance, battling through tough innings and keeping Wellington’s offense in check when it mattered most. Donaldson, showed poise and toughness throughout the contest, helping secure the team’s first victory of the season.

Behind the plate, Malaysia Dillinger played a fantastic game at catcher, providing steady defense and leadership. Her communication, hustle, and defensive awareness helped control the flow of the game and contributed to the team’s overall defensive success.

Offensively, the Warriors continued to benefit from strong contributions by their statistical leaders. Hannah Broady and Chayleah Cumberlander, both among the team’s batting average leaders, continued to produce timely hits, while Kayleah Cumberlanderb the team’s on-base percentage leader, set the table for scoring opportunities. Maya Donaldson also contributed at the plate and on the bases, continuing her role as one of the team’s most versatile contributors.

The combination of strong pitching, timely hitting, and steady defense made this victory especially meaningful. After battling through early-season challenges, the Warriors finally saw their hard work translate into results on the scoreboard.

All of these ladies have contributed with valuable playing time: 

Led by Captains, Tofunmi Aluko, Malaysha Dillinger, and Maya Donaldson.

---

Harvest Prep Warriors Softball Roster

Upperclassmen

• Maya Donaldson (Sr.) – 3B, P

• Tofunmi Aluko (Sr.) – utility

• Malaysha Dillinger (Sr.) – CF, 1B, C

• JoGina Mulbah (Sr.) – OF

• Sarah Lombrano (SR) CF

Juniors

• Lydia Nebiat – OF

• Mercy Girma OF

• Jordyn Baldwinn OF

• Hannah Broady – RF, 2B

• Dinamae Musa – OF

Sophomores

• Chayleah Cumberlander – 1B, SS, P

• Kayleah Cumberlander – C, 3B, SS

• Imani Brown – RF

• Eustacia Bilasse – RF

Freshmen

• Aaliyah Burns – SS

• Sanai Campbell – 1B, 2B

• Noelle McDaniel  DP

• Sewa (Sheewa) Adesokan OF

• Abby Nebiat – OF 

---

With the 15–8 home victory over Wellington, Harvest Prep not only earned its first win but also gained valuable momentum and confidence. The losing streak is over, the pressure has been lifted, and the Warriors now move forward knowing they have what it takes to compete—and win—together.