2024 Florida High School Softball Regional Finals Preview

As the Florida Regional Softball Championship games approach, we give you a full preview. The 1A final four are already set, and you can find the bracket here. We will have a full preview of the final four also. Let’s jump right into it.

2A Region Finals

Game 1: University Christian vs. Providence School

University Christian, led by senior standout Sophia Kardatzke, is poised for a deep run. Kardatzke, a USC Upstate commit, is a force both at the plate and in the circle. Batting a phenomenal .667 with five home runs, she sets the tone offensively. Her dominance extends to pitching, where she boasts a 1.66 ERA and an impressive 185 strikeouts. Providence School will rely heavily on Summer Stearns to counter this formidable opponent. Stearns, hitting .468 with three home runs, will need to spark the offense and find a way to break through Kardatzke’s pitching.

Prediction: University Christian’s depth and Kardatzke’s dual-threat capability give them the edge in this contest.

Game 2: Evangelical Christian (ECS) vs. Moore Haven

ECS features a balanced attack led by Makayla Jakubuwski, who is batting .511, and Florida commit Kylie Shaw, who adds speed with 26 stolen bases. Senior Zoe Yzaguirre is a powerhouse in the circle, sporting a 1.42 ERA and 200 strikeouts. Moore Haven counters with senior Hayden Davis, batting .429, and a young pitching prodigy in 8th grader Brooklyn Sergent, who has a dazzling 0.48 ERA. This game will likely be a showcase of pitching prowess and strategic base-running.

Prediction: ECS’s experience and comprehensive skills, highlighted by Yzaguirre’s dominance, should see them through in a tight battle.

Game 3: Cornerstone Charter Academy vs. Academy at the Lakes

Cornerstone Charter Academy relies on the Rosario sisters for offensive firepower, with Liany hitting .456 and Naya providing power with four home runs. Pitcher Bekah Mitchell anchors the team defensively, with a solid 1.37 ERA and 156 strikeouts. Academy at the Lakes counters with Alexis Gattuso (.407 average) and Molly Blackwood, who also has four home runs. Pitching duties fall to Shannon Kendall, who holds a 2.41 ERA and 117 strikeouts.

Prediction: This matchup is balanced, but Cornerstone Charter’s stronger pitching and the Rosario sisters’ offensive contributions might tip the scales in their favor.

Game 4: Miami Christian vs. John Carroll

Miami Christian’s Maria Hernandez leads the team with a .500 average, and Sofia Reyes adds power with four home runs. Renata Silvas is a reliable presence in the circle with a 1.62 ERA. John Carroll brings a balanced approach with Sophia Loreto batting .468 and a pitching duo of Isabella Ramirez (2.14 ERA) and Makayla Ortiz (1.88 ERA). The depth in John Carroll’s pitching staff could be a critical factor in a tightly contested game.

Prediction: John Carroll’s dual pitching threat might give them a slight advantage in what promises to be a closely fought game.

3A Region Finals

Game 1: Baldwin vs. Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Baldwin comes into the game with a potent lineup and a strong arm in the circle. Amiyah Jones is a consistent force at the plate, batting .469. Cali Hartung and Jazmine Ramos-Merced provide significant power, with Hartung boasting 10 home runs and 46 RBI, and Ramos-Merced contributing 8 home runs and 35 RBI. In the circle, Shaylen Byrd commands a 1.22 ERA and an impressive 205 strikeouts. They will face a formidable opponent in the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, led by Mercer commit Grace Jones. Jones is not only a batting juggernaut with a .606 average and 10 home runs but also a pitching phenom with a 0.60 ERA and 335 strikeouts this season.

Prediction: While Baldwin’s lineup is formidable, Grace Jones’ dual-threat capabilities give Episcopal the upper hand in this matchup.

Game 2: Montverde Academy vs. Santa Fe

Montverde Academy showcases a balanced and formidable roster. Luna Taboas leads the team with a .593 batting average, while their pitching duo of Nevaeh Williams (0.88 ERA, 134 strikeouts) and LaBreah Sands (0.38 ERA, 99 strikeouts) ensures strength from the mound. Santa Fe counters with Maren Hornsby, who brings a .566 batting average, and Amy Crosby, who adds power with 4 home runs and 21 RBI. Sarah Burns anchors the team in the circle with a 1.38 ERA and 113 strikeouts.

Prediction: Montverde Academy’s depth and versatility, particularly in pitching, give them a slight edge in what promises to be a tightly contested game.

Game 3: Academy of the Holy Names vs. Calvary Christian

The Academy of the Holy Names relies on Clare Bohink, who is batting .415, and Elise McQuiston, who has hit 4 home runs. Their ace, Princeton commit Keala Hollenkamp, dominates the circle with a 0.61 ERA and 192 strikeouts. Calvary Christian presents a formidable challenge with Payton Cushman leading the offense with a .517 average. Alexis Camilleri and Morgen Talley each add power with 4 home runs apiece. NC State commit Talley shines with a 0.46 ERA and 155 strikeouts.

Prediction: This game will likely be a pitching duel, but Hollenkamp’s experience and dominant ERA might give the Academy of the Holy Names a slight advantage.

Game 4: Coral Springs Charter vs. Somerset Academy (Silver Palms)

Coral Springs Charter brings a high-powered offense and a dominant pitcher to the field. Cameron Thiele leads with a .571 batting average, and Gio Gurgel adds significant power with 9 home runs and 47 RBI. Nearly half the lineup bats above .400, underscoring their offensive depth. In the circle, Courtney Wahlbrink boasts a stellar 0.46 ERA with 213 strikeouts. Somerset Academy counters with Ava Stevens, who is batting .517, and the duo of Arlene Sordo and Leilani Gonzalez, each with 4 home runs. Stevens also leads their pitching efforts with a 2.53 ERA and 111 strikeouts.

Prediction: Coral Springs Charter’s combination of offensive depth and Wahlbrink’s pitching prowess should see them prevail in this matchup.

4A Region Finals

Game 1: Wakulla vs. Baker County

Wakulla enters the regional finals with a balanced attack and dominant pitching. Cylie Long leads the team at the plate with a .464 batting average, while Kaylee Walker provides the power, hitting 10 home runs and driving in 30 runs. In the circle, Charley Butler is a force to be reckoned with, boasting a 0.81 ERA and a staggering 273 strikeouts. Baker County counters with Baleigh Shields, who is hitting .473 with 4 home runs and 21 RBI. Chloe Woods handles pitching duties with a solid 1.33 ERA and 123 strikeouts.

Prediction: Wakulla’s combination of offensive power and Butler’s dominant pitching should give them the edge over Baker County in this matchup.

Game 2: Eustis vs. Eau Gallie

Eustis relies on the strong batting of Ciara Maple, who leads the team with a .483 average, and the power-hitting of Jensen Luke, who has 5 home runs. Skyler Cloud anchors their pitching staff with a 1.78 ERA and 130 strikeouts. Eau Gallie presents a formidable challenge with Sara Walsh, also hitting .483, and Sarah Lanlie, who brings 8 home runs to the table. In the circle, Heather Rue has a 2.85 ERA.

Prediction: This game promises to be a close contest, but Eustis’ stronger pitching might be the deciding factor in their favor.

Game 3: LaBelle vs. Clearwater

LaBelle features Marissa Burchard, who is hitting .481 with 8 home runs. Their pitching depth includes Carli Spencer (1.18 ERA), Abby Hicks (1.85 ERA), and Payton Crews (2.91 ERA). Clearwater is led by Juleah Patterson, who boasts an impressive .524 batting average. In the circle, Megan Kimmet has a 2.64 ERA.

Prediction: LaBelle’s pitching depth and Burchard’s offensive firepower might give them the advantage over Clearwater.

Game 4: American Heritage vs. Jensen Beach

American Heritage comes into the finals with Analie Diaz hitting .423 and Koda Travers managing pitching duties with a 2.43 ERA. Jensen Beach counters with Mallory Wheeler, who is hitting .386 with 7 home runs and leads the pitching staff with a 1.27 ERA.

Prediction: Jensen Beach’s dual threat in Wheeler, both at the plate and in the circle, could prove to be the difference-maker in this game.

5A Region Finals

Game 1: Gulf Breeze vs. Gainesville

Gulf Breeze enters the regional finals with a dynamic player in Leila Ammon, who is batting .482 with 5 home runs. Ammon is also a force in the circle, boasting a 1.28 ERA and 190 strikeouts. Gainesville counters with Braylin Cook, a powerhouse hitter batting .486 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI. Leanna Bourdage has been spectacular, maintaining a 0.55 ERA and racking up 218 strikeouts.

Prediction: While Ammon stands out for Gulf Breeze, Gainesville’s combination of Cook’s offensive firepower and Bourdage’s dominance in the circle gives them the edge in this matchup.

Game 2: Horizon vs. Osceola

Horizon’s Avery Velazquez leads her team with a .507 batting average and 6 home runs, also excelling in the circle with a 1.16 ERA. Mackenzie Duncan complements the pitching staff with a stellar 0.78 ERA. Osceola counters with Jenna Neupaver, hitting .511, and senior Addison Futch, who has a .472 average and 8 home runs. Aliyah Lai handles pitching duties with a 2.49 ERA.

Prediction: Horizon’s strong pitching duo of Velazquez and Duncan, along with Velazquez’s hitting, might give them the upper hand over Osceola.

Game 3: Parrish Community vs. North Fort Myers

Parrish Community relies on Ella Romano (.466 average) and Alysa Jones (.427 average) for offensive production. In the circle, Rylee Little holds a 1.73 ERA. North Fort Myers boasts three players batting over .500: Audrie Florenzano (.602), Mia Lane (.538), and Abigail Hynes (.515). Lane also adds power with 7 home runs. Their pitching is strong with Jordyn Prado (0.86 ERA) and Kaliyah Williams (2.51 ERA).

Prediction: North Fort Myers’ exceptional batting lineup and strong pitching rotation make them the favorites in this contest.

Game 4: Archbishop McCarthy vs. Pembroke Pines Charter

Archbishop McCarthy is led by Sienna Garcia, who is batting .508 with 5 home runs and 31 RBI. Garcia also dominates in the circle with a 0.84 ERA and 100 strikeouts. Pembroke Pines Charter counters with Asya Moria, hitting .404 with 3 home runs, and Destiny Ortega, who has a 4.14 ERA with 72 strikeouts.

Prediction: Garcia’s dual-threat capabilities give Archbishop McCarthy a significant advantage over Pembroke Pines Charter in this matchup.

6A Region Finals

Game 1: Pace vs. Hagerty

Pace is led by Florida State commit Shelby McKenzie, who boasts a remarkable .644 batting average, 14 home runs, and 49 RBI. In the circle, LSU commit Jayden Heavener is a force with a 0.52 ERA and 277 strikeouts. Hagerty counters with USF commit Alexandra Beldowicz, batting .454, and a powerful duo in Rachel Matthiesen and Ana Roman, each with 10 home runs. Pitching duties will be shared by Matthiesen (1.94 ERA, 82 strikeouts) and Ella Verne (0.58 ERA, 89 strikeouts).

Prediction: Pace’s combination of McKenzie’s offensive firepower and Heavener’s dominant pitching gives them a significant edge over Hagerty.

Game 2: Bloomingdale vs. East Lake

Bloomingdale features UCLA commit Natalie Cable, who leads with a .477 average, 12 home runs, and 33 RBI. Cable also excels in the circle with a 0.78 ERA and 314 strikeouts. East Lake counters with Georgia Southern commit Kayla Christensen, batting .457, and Lucy Mondok, who has 5 home runs and a 1.08 ERA with 119 strikeouts.

Prediction: While East Lake has strong players, Bloomingdale’s Cable, with her dual-threat capabilities, might be the deciding factor in this contest.

Game 3: Bartow vs. Melbourne

Bartow’s Kyndal Cornelius is batting .453, but the team’s strength lies in pitching. Florida commit Katelynn Oxley boasts an astonishing 0.15 ERA with 218 strikeouts. Bartow will be seeking revenge for their only loss of the season to Melbourne, a 1-0 defeat in April. Melbourne is led by Layna Ayala, batting .443 with 6 home runs and 22 RBI. In the circle, Florida State commit Jasmine Francik has a 0.21 ERA with 387 strikeouts.

Prediction: This game will be a showcase of stellar pitching, but Melbourne’s previous victory and Francik’s dominant season might give them the edge in this rematch.

Game 4: Doral Academy vs. St. Thomas Aquinas

Doral Academy boasts a powerful lineup with Clemson commit Sarah Breaux (.600 average, 12 home runs, 42 RBI) and Anabela Abdullah (.507 average, 10 home runs, 27 RBI). In the circle, UCF commit Yessenia Lopez (0.79 ERA, 154 strikeouts) and FIU commit Megan Villazon (0.12 ERA, 137 strikeouts) form a formidable pitching duo. St. Thomas Aquinas counters with Christina D’Agostino, who has a .449 average and 13 home runs with 42 RBI. Pitching duties fall to Taylor Goad, who holds a 2.45 ERA.

Prediction: Doral Academy’s powerful offense and strong pitching duo should give them a distinct advantage over St. Thomas Aquinas.

7A Region Finals
Game 1: Lake Brantley vs. Seminole

Lake Brantley comes into the regional finals led by Auriana Turner, who is batting .412. Lauren Compton provides stability with a 2.27 ERA and 97 strikeouts. Seminole counters with Addison Poe, who is hitting .416 with 5 home runs. In the circle, Anne Long is a key player with a 1.33 ERA and 94 strikeouts.

Prediction: This game is likely to be a close contest, but Seminole’s slightly stronger pitching with Long might give them the edge over Lake Brantley.

Game 2: Windermere vs. Steinbrenner

Windermere boasts a potent lineup with Miranda Murch hitting .447 and Emilie Ching adding power with 9 home runs. In the circle, Arkansas commit Lexi King is dominant with a 0.78 ERA and 131 strikeouts. Steinbrenner counters with Arizona State commit Lily Holtje, who is batting .478 with 7 home runs and 28 RBI. Their pitching is anchored by Lilly Patton, who has a 2.16 ERA and 93 strikeouts.

Prediction: Windermere’s combination of strong batting and Lexi King’s exceptional pitching should give them a slight advantage over Steinbrenner.

Game 3: Centennial vs. Jupiter

Centennial features Jaelyn Cook, batting .348, and Keyhara Alleyne, who has hit four home runs. In the circle, Murray State commit Hailey Brereton is a standout with a 0.96 ERA and 349 strikeouts. Jupiter counters with Sasha Seidel, who has a .412 average and is also effective in the circle with a 1.05 ERA and 174 strikeouts.

Prediction: This game will likely be a pitcher’s duel, but Brereton’s extraordinary strikeout ability might give Centennial the upper hand against Jupiter.

Game 4: Western vs. Park Vista

Western is led by Iowa commit Arlette Caravaca, hitting .453 with 7 home runs and 35 RBI. In the circle, Ali Solo has been impressive with a 1.28 ERA and 158 strikeouts. Park Vista counters with Nicole Mergen, who is batting .395 with 9 home runs and 20 RBI, and also excels in the circle with a 1.18 ERA and 50 strikeouts.

Prediction: While Park Vista has a solid lineup, Western’s more consistent pitching with Solo might be the key to their victory in this matchup.