The 2025 FHSAA Class 5A State Softball Tournament brings together a deep, competitive field where offensive firepower, pitching depth, and postseason composure will be put to the test. From the powerhouse arms in the Panhandle to the loaded lineups down south, every region features at least one team capable of making a serious run to Longwood. With four regions feeding into a seeding-based Final Four, this year’s bracket offers no shortcuts—only matchups that reward execution, grit, and late-inning toughness. Let’s break down the road to the title, one region at a time.
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Region 1
Quarterfinals
(1) Niceville vs. (8) Gulf Breeze
Niceville doesn’t just have the No. 1 seed—they have the most complete profile in Region 1. The offense starts with sophomore Briana Noles, a 5-tool-type player hitting .453 with 7 extra-base hits and 21 RBIs. But it’s the balance across the order—five players above .330—that makes this lineup tough to pitch around. Defensively, they don’t beat themselves, and in the circle, Chloe Bailey is simply dominant. Her 0.79 ERA over 123.2 innings with 210 strikeouts shows both endurance and precision. She’s not just overpowering hitters; she’s commanding every pitch.
Gulf Breeze enters with some offensive pop—Jacey Reed’s 8 HRs and Kylie Reed’s 30 hits are legit—but the issue is run prevention. Their pitching staff has allowed 130+ runs across three arms, and they’ve struggled to contain top-tier lineups. Asking them to hold off a methodical and powerful Niceville lineup is a tall order.
What to watch: If Gulf Breeze has any chance, they’ll need to produce early—jumping Bailey in the first inning before she settles in. But that’s easier said than done.
Pick: Niceville by five+. Bailey dominates and the offense cashes in early.
(4) Chiles vs. (5) Fleming Island
This is a fascinating clash of styles. Chiles has the most explosive offense in the region—three hitters north of .425, including Adelyn Matthews (.613, 7 HR, 48 R) and Mia Hemenway (.597, 15 HR). They swing big, score fast, and aren’t afraid to trade punches in a slugfest. But their success hinges on freshman ace Anna Barber, who’s been reliable with a 1.91 ERA but hasn’t faced this kind of playoff pressure.
Fleming Island, by contrast, plays more measured softball. Senior Olivia Sikes (.558, 17 doubles) anchors a balanced lineup that hits for average and pressure. They won’t bash like Chiles, but they grind at-bats and take advantage of mistakes. Mallory Blackwell (2.31 ERA) has the experience and poise to keep Fleming Island in any game—but she’ll need to be surgical against this top-heavy Chiles order.
What to watch: If Barber walks hitters or pitches behind in counts, Fleming Island will exploit it. If she’s efficient and attacks the zone, Chiles has the bats to build a cushion. Defense could be the difference.
Pick: Chiles, 7–5. Their firepower puts too much stress on Fleming Island to keep up for seven innings.
(3) Middleburg vs. (6) Milton
Middleburg has been under the radar all year, but they’re built for the postseason. Kerra Clarida (.446, 6 HR) is one of the region’s most complete hitters, and she’s surrounded by a deep lineup—six players over .300 and multiple with gap power. They’re aggressive on the bases, and they don’t rely on one player to carry them. On the mound, Lily Bennett (1.99 ERA, 98 Ks) is effective, if not overpowering, and has shown she can go the distance.
Milton will need to manufacture runs, because they don’t have the bats to trade with Middleburg. Alexis Hawthorne (.386) is their table-setter, but the team as a whole lacks pop. Defensively, Chloe Norman (2.41 ERA) is solid, but she’s logged heavy innings and has struggled against high-contact lineups. Behind her, depth is thin and command wavers.
What to watch: Middleburg’s ability to pressure Milton early could set the tone. If they get a lead, Milton lacks the power to play from behind. This could get out of reach by the fourth if Middleburg strings hits together.
Pick: Middleburg, 6–2. Clarida leads the charge and Bennett does enough to control tempo.
(2) Matanzas vs. (7) Ponte Vedra
Matanzas is built around one dominant force: senior ace Leah Stevens. With a 0.34 ERA and 193 strikeouts, she’s been nearly untouchable—allowing just 4 earned runs all year. That makes them a legitimate state contender. But what elevates them further is their offense, led by Juliet Fogel (.456) and McKenzie Manhart (.448), who set the table consistently. They don’t hit many home runs, but they get on base and move runners with precision.
Ponte Vedra, meanwhile, is scrappy but limited. Aoife Weaver (.390, 21 RBIs) is their catalyst both offensively and on the mound, where she’s thrown over 110 innings. However, she’s allowed 145 hits and 49 earned runs—a bad sign against a disciplined lineup like Matanzas. The Sharks don’t have a shutdown option in the circle, and their defense will be tested inning after inning.
What to watch: If Ponte Vedra wants a shot, Weaver must pitch to weak contact and limit base runners. Matanzas will look to capitalize on long at-bats and wear her down by the fourth or fifth.
Pick: Matanzas, 4–1. Stevens strikes out 12+ and cruises to the finish line.
Semifinals (Projected)
(1) Niceville vs. (4) Chiles
This is a matchup that pits raw power against refined execution. Chiles has the most dangerous lineup in the region—Matthews and Hemenway can change the game with one swing—but they’ll be facing Chloe Bailey, a sophomore already pitching like a college junior. Bailey’s 0.79 ERA, 210 Ks, and only 14 earned runs across nearly 124 innings speak for themselves. She doesn’t give up the long ball, and she keeps the ball on the ground.
Chiles, meanwhile, can’t afford empty innings. They need crooked numbers to win, and that will be tough to generate off Bailey, especially with a defense behind her that doesn’t crack under pressure. The wild card is whether Barber can keep Chiles in the game long enough for the bats to make noise. But asking a freshman to shut down a lineup this disciplined is a big ask.
Prediction: Niceville, 5–2. Chiles will put some pressure on Bailey early, but the Eagles’ experience and pitching depth pull them through in the late innings.
(2) Matanzas vs. (3) Middleburg
This semifinal has the feel of a coin-flip—two disciplined teams, well-coached, with clear identities. Matanzas lives through Stevens. If she’s in rhythm, she can silence just about anyone, and Middleburg hasn’t seen a pitcher with this level of command. But Middleburg can grind pitchers down—they hit for contact, spread the ball around, and force defenses to execute every play.
If Middleburg is going to win, they’ll need Clarida and Hagan to find gaps early and test the Matanzas defense under pressure. Stevens will get her strikeouts, but if the Broncos can limit them to solo innings and extend pitch counts, they’ll have a shot. Pitching-wise, Bennett and Ballinger will need to pitch to contact and avoid walks. Matanzas doesn’t chase.
Prediction: Matanzas, 2–1. It comes down to Stevens in the circle and one timely hit. Middleburg makes them work, but can’t break through.
Regional Final: (1) Niceville vs. (2) Matanzas
This has all the ingredients for a classic. Two ace-led teams. Two disciplined offenses. Two dugouts with Final Four expectations.
On paper, the edge tilts slightly toward Matanzas on the mound—Stevens has been untouchable all season. But the deeper you look, the more you see Niceville’s consistency across all phases. Bailey isn’t just dominant—she’s durable. And she has more help at the plate. Noles, Shackelford, Bailey, and Cooke make up a top four that can string hits together against any arm. They won’t need to do much—just enough to give Bailey a cushion.
The concern for Matanzas is offensive efficiency. If they get runners on, they must capitalize. Because Niceville rarely gives second chances. In a 0-0 game, one mistake could decide the trip to Longwood.
Prediction: Niceville wins Region 1, 3–1. In a battle of elite pitchers, the Eagles’ deeper lineup and playoff-tested defense prove to be the difference.
Regions 2
Quarterfinals
(1) Winter Springs vs. (8) River Ridge
Winter Springs enters as the top seed for good reason. Their offense is methodical and deep. Kennedy Jackson (.455) and Alondra Maldonado (.417, 5 HR) anchor a group that spreads out the pressure. The Bears don’t rely on the long ball—they hit situationally, stringing together quality at-bats. Their weakness lies in the circle. Tiffany Seemann (2.48 ERA) and Madison Barahona (2.89) have been solid, not spectacular, and neither is a true strikeout ace. That could matter later—but not here.
River Ridge is scrappy, but overmatched. Lilly Jackson (2.45 ERA) has thrown 123 innings, but it’s a soft-contact profile. She’s allowed over 110 hits and 43 walks—against a lineup like Winter Springs, that’s a problem. Offensively, they’ve struggled to produce big innings. Their leading hitter, Paityn Vanfossen, sits at .348, but only one player has more than 4 extra-base hits.
What to watch: If River Ridge can’t make this ugly early—errors, free passes, chaos—they’ll get picked apart. The Bears’ patience and consistency will win out over time.
Pick: Winter Springs, 7–2. A clean start and pressure offense do the job.
(4) East River vs. (5) Sebring
This is a clash of two well-coached teams with intriguing strengths—and some serious pitching questions. East River leans heavily on sophomore Katherine Sanchez, both at the plate (.479, 12 2B) and in the circle (1.38 ERA, 137 Ks). She’s the engine. But behind her, pitching depth thins out quickly—senior Talisa Soto holds a 4.53 ERA, which could be a liability if Sanchez is forced out early.
Sebring, meanwhile, brings a veteran core. Tera Lynn Price (.419, 3 HR) is their best bat, and also leads the team in innings (59.2, 2.93 ERA). She’s gritty, but lacks overpowering stuff. Sebring’s challenge is limiting East River’s speed and contact hitters—especially in the first three innings, where East River often jumps out fast.
What to watch: If Sanchez dominates early, East River could build a lead Sebring can’t chase down. But if the Falcons’ bats chase out Sanchez or force her pitch count up, things tighten quickly.
Pick: East River, 5–4. Sanchez wins the duel late with a big hit or shutdown inning.
(3) Gainesville vs. (6) Belleview
Statistically, Gainesville has the more dangerous bats. Madisyn Gillins (.475) and McKenna O’Sullivan (.463, 11 2B, 4 HR) anchor a lineup that can do damage from multiple angles. But Gainesville’s issue is run prevention—O’Sullivan also pitches, with a 2.60 ERA and a .280+ opponent average over 97 innings. That dual load might wear down as the tournament goes.
Belleview isn’t flashy, but they have a legitimate No. 1 in Y’mari Reynolds (2.15 ERA, 180 Ks in 120 innings). If she gets in rhythm, she can neutralize even elite bats. The concern is run support—only two hitters above .375 and limited power.
What to watch: This one comes down to how well Gainesville handles Reynolds’ strike zone movement. If they chase early, Belleview can take control. But if they get on base and let their table-setters go to work, it could swing.
Pick: Gainesville, 4–2. Too many offensive threats, even against a strong outing from Reynolds.
(2) Deltona vs. (7) Springstead
Springstead is not your typical No. 7 seed. Their one-two punch of Ava Miller (0.85 ERA) and Alivia Miller (1.76 ERA) is the best pitching tandem in the bracket—low ERAs, low walks, and a combined 178 Ks in under 130 innings. Offensively, they’re led by Rachel Rivera (.429) and Ava Miller (.426), both of whom can spark rallies and play small ball.
Deltona is more balanced. Amayah Jones (.564, 4 HR) is one of the most dangerous hitters in the region, and Tessa Guenette (1.15 ERA) gives them an experienced anchor in the circle. But their offense behind Jones hasn’t been tested much against elite arms.
What to watch: Can Deltona generate offense if Jones gets pitched around? If Springstead can hold her to singles or draw walks from her, it puts pressure on the rest of the order. This game could be 1-0 or 2-1 either way.
Pick: Upset alert—Springstead, 2–1. The Millers pitch their way past a talented but top-heavy Deltona team.
Semifinals (Projected)
(1) Winter Springs vs. (4) East River
East River is dangerous because of Sanchez, but Winter Springs is deeper. They don’t have to rely on one player to win the game. The question here is whether Sanchez can silence a top-tier lineup for seven innings—and whether she’ll have enough help if the game gets into late-inning chaos.
Winter Springs can rotate arms, lengthen at-bats, and apply pressure without needing home runs. Their edge is in team discipline.
Prediction: Winter Springs, 4–1. The Bears work deep counts and cash in late.
(3) Gainesville vs. (7) Springstead
Gainesville’s bats meet their toughest test of the tournament. The Millers will throw strikes and force hitters to earn every base. Gillins and O’Sullivan can do damage, but if they’re limited, Gainesville’s depth is tested.
On the other hand, Springstead’s bats don’t need much—one timely double, a bunt single, and they can ride their pitching. Expect a chess match.
Prediction: Springstead, 3–2. Small ball, sharp defense, and another tight pitching gem.
Regional Final: (1) Winter Springs vs. (7) Springstead
Two very different teams here. Winter Springs leans on consistent offense and the ability to generate runs from anywhere in the lineup. Springstead thrives on disruption—mixing speeds, making routine plays look difficult for opponents, and never giving in. The key matchup will be Winter Springs’ top four hitters against the Miller duo. Can they work counts and avoid chasing off-speed?
This game likely comes down to who cracks first. One error, one walk, one passed ball could swing it. But Winter Springs has faced tougher schedules and proven they can play clean late-inning ball.
Prediction: Winter Springs wins Region 2, 3–2. The Bears survive a gutsy Springstead squad in the most tactical game of the bracket.
Region 3
Quarterfinals
(1) North Fort Myers vs. (8) Gaither
North Fort Myers enters with one of the most explosive lineups in the state. Senior slugger Abigail Hynes (.622 AVG, 11 HR, 46 hits) is a legitimate nightmare in the box. Add in Audrie Florenzano (.512), Mia Lane (.429), and Kaliyah Williams (.451), and you’ve got a top-four that rivals any 5A team. While the pitching—led by Williams (3.35 ERA)—isn’t overpowering, it’s effective enough when backed by this offense.
Gaither, on the other hand, is outgunned. Kacey Wilkes (.474) is a sparkplug and the team’s best arm, but she’s allowed 148 hits in 104.2 IP and a 3.61 ERA. That won’t hold against a lineup like North’s that punishes mistakes and thrives in transition innings.
What to watch: If North comes out pressing, Gaither could hang around—but if the bats settle in by the second inning, this one could end early.
Pick: North Fort Myers, 9–2. The bats overwhelm and set the tone for the bracket.
(4) Mariner vs. (5) Charlotte
This one looked like a toss-up, but Charlotte has the advantage in big-game experience and innings logged. Dava Hoffer (3.07 ERA, 115 Ks) has thrown nearly 144 innings and faced nearly 700 batters this season. She’s battle-tested and gives Charlotte a level of consistency that’s hard to match at this stage of the bracket. Offensively, Charlotte may not mash like others in the region, but they get timely production from Haven Hickox (.390) and Dava Hoffer (.354, 3 HR), who do enough to manufacture runs.
Mariner has the more electric pitcher in Gabi Winters (1.60 ERA, 276 Ks), but youth can be a liability in the postseason. If Charlotte can put the ball in play and pressure the defense early, they can rattle the younger Triton squad.
What to watch: Hoffer’s ability to pitch to contact and stay ahead in counts gives Charlotte the edge. If Winters can’t get strikeouts in key moments, Charlotte will scratch out runs and flip the game late.
Pick: Charlotte, 3–2. Experience and execution win over flash.
(3) Gulf Coast vs. (6) Northeast
Gulf Coast brings a complete offensive profile—five starters hitting .340+ and three with legit power. Hannah Rearden (.435, 14 2B, 6 HR) is a tough out in any count, and Taylor Stalling (3.01 ERA) is a true workhorse with over 130 innings pitched. She doesn’t strike many out, but she limits big innings and pitches to soft contact.
Northeast’s lineup is top-heavy but dangerous. Lashell Roberts (.604) and Ava Twinam (.472) can do damage fast, and Danielle Brunner (1.35 ERA) gives them a shot against stronger lineups. But they haven’t faced many teams with Gulf Coast’s depth or late-inning pressure.
What to watch: Brunner’s margin for error is razor-thin. If she gives up even one multi-run frame, Gulf Coast will make it stick.
Pick: Gulf Coast, 5–3. Too much lineup depth, even against a quality arm.
(2) Fort Myers vs. (7) Riverdale
This is a dangerous matchup for Fort Myers. Yes, they’re loaded—five players above .430, led by Fazzone (.519), Torres (.500), and Rodmyre (.474, 6 HR). They can mash with anyone in the state. But they’ve shown cracks on the mound. Afton Jessogne (2.86 ERA) is steady but hittable, and freshman Lolly Lane (5.62 ERA) needs to be on her game.
Riverdale, meanwhile, can swing it. Jamie Penia (.512, 7 HR) is one of the best freshmen in Florida, and Samaya Rodriguez, Ella Bundy, and Aleaha Acosta (.385) add depth. Sophomore Adrianna Manetta (2.07 ERA) has been solid and won’t be overwhelmed.
What to watch: Fort Myers needs a clean defensive game. If Riverdale puts traffic on the bases, they have the bats to capitalize.
Pick: Fort Myers survives, 7–5. But it’s far from comfortable.
Semifinals (Projected)
(1) North Fort Myers vs. (5) Charlotte
Charlotte earned their way here with solid defense and gritty pitching, but the climb steepens drastically. North Fort Myers has the most complete lineup in the region and beat Charlotte earlier in the year. With Hynes, Lane, Florenzano, and Williams all hitting over .400 and driving in runs in bunches, there’s little margin for error.
Charlotte needs a near-perfect outing from Hoffer and airtight defense. They can’t afford any free bases or misplays—and even then, they’ll likely need a big swing from Hickox or Recker to pull an upset.
Prediction: North Fort Myers, 6–2. Too much firepower. Charlotte keeps it respectable, but the Red Knights pull away late.
(2) Fort Myers vs. (3) Gulf Coast
This is the most volatile matchup in the region. Fort Myers has more star power, but Gulf Coast plays smarter ball. Stalling won’t overpower Fort Myers, but she forces contact and limits the big inning. If Rearden and Caetano get hot, Gulf Coast can push the Green Wave into a high-stress game.
Still, Fort Myers’ lineup is relentless. If Stalling starts falling behind, this one could tilt quickly.
Prediction: Fort Myers, 6–4. They slug their way to the final—but Gulf Coast makes them work for it.
Regional Final: (1) North Fort Myers vs. (2) Fort Myers
Despite Fort Myers winning the last meeting, North has the slight edge.
North Fort Myers has already beaten Fort Myers twice this year, and they’ve done it in different ways—slugging one game out, then grinding out a defensive win in another. Fort Myers has the offensive firepower it showed in a 14-12 win last week. In the end, it will come down to who makes fewer mistakes and which pitching staff comes through.
The Red Knights’ combination of patience at the plate, defensive poise, and a battle-tested core gives them a slight but meaningful edge.
Prediction: North Fort Myers wins Region 3, 8-6. They control tempo, limit mistakes, and move on to Longwood with confidence.
Region 4
Quarterfinals
(1) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. (8) Varela
St. Thomas Aquinas enters with the highest seed and the deepest roster. Freshman Lavinia Miller (1.54 ERA) is their ace, and she’ll likely get the ball early. The offense is fueled by Reese Randall (.403) and Melanie Sweet (.400), both underclassmen already playing beyond their years. The Raiders have speed and enough power to pressure weak pitching.
Varela finished the season below .500 and lacks the kind of offensive production or pitching metrics that suggest an upset is brewing. Unless they can play flawless defense and hope Aquinas starts cold at the plate, this could get out of hand early.
What to watch: If Miller controls the zone, Varela won’t have the firepower to keep up.
Pick: St. Thomas Aquinas, 8–1. Too much lineup depth and too little resistance.
(4) Pembroke Pines Charter vs. (5) Bayside
This is arguably the most even matchup in the bracket. Pines Charter leans heavily on sophomore Destiny Ortega, who leads the team both in batting average (.484) and pitching (2.93 ERA, 116 Ks in 98 IP). She’s shown the ability to keep games close against stronger opponents. Their top four hitters can all reach base consistently, but they’ve struggled in close games late.
Bayside, meanwhile, brings some serious offensive numbers. Jordyn Milo (.525), Haleigh Curry (.484), and Zoe Parker (.449) are part of a potent top half that scores in bunches. The problem lies on the mound—Nicole Garcia (4.54 ERA) and Cayden Platt (8.45 ERA) both allow too much contact and haven’t faced playoff-caliber lineups like this.
What to watch: If Ortega can navigate the first two innings without damage, Pines Charter should control tempo. If Bayside puts pressure on early, their offense can carry them.
Pick: Pembroke Pines Charter, 6–4. Ortega’s dual-role performance is the difference.
(3) Sebastian River vs. (6) Plantation
No stats are available for Plantation, but they finished 8–7 and lack the high-end production seen from the top half of this bracket. That’s going to be a problem against a Sebastian River squad that quietly boasts one of the strongest offensive cores in the state. Layla McKinney and Riley Biggers are both hitting .526, while Kiera Carow (.489) has driven in 28 runs and logged over 116 IP with a 2.11 ERA. This team can swing it and pitch it.
Plantation would need to play mistake-free softball and hope Sebastian River gives them free bases. That seems unlikely.
What to watch: Carow’s ability to dominate a lower-seeded offense gives Sebastian River the clear edge.
Pick: Sebastian River, 7–2. Too many weapons for Plantation to contain.
(2) South Fork vs. (7) McArthur
South Fork has been efficient all year. Emma Ortiz (.464), Elliana Hernandez (.455), and Abbie Dewaters (.387, 11 2B) give this team the offensive depth needed to make a deep run. Mackenzie Brown (2.69 ERA) has thrown 88+ innings and gives them a solid anchor in the circle.
McArthur’s incomplete stat line and a 7–6 record suggest they’ve struggled with consistency. Unless they can surprise with a shutdown performance from an unknown arm, South Fork’s bats will be too much.
What to watch: If South Fork is clean on defense and aggressive early, they’ll take control and never look back.
Pick: South Fork, 9–3. A strong opening win to set the tone.
Semifinals (Projected)
(1) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. (4) Pembroke Pines Charter
This will be Aquinas’ first real test. Ortega can keep Pines Charter in the game, and they’ve got the offensive top half to challenge Miller if she’s off her game. But Aquinas doesn’t just rely on one hitter—they’ve got six bats capable of reaching base and extending innings.
The biggest question: Can Pines Charter keep the game within striking distance long enough for their offense to make a move?
Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas, 5–3. A close contest early, but Aquinas pulls away late with better depth and defense.
(2) South Fork vs. (3) Sebastian River
This is the game of the region. Two elite top halves, both capable of scoring in bunches. South Fork gets on base and runs the bases well, but Sebastian River hits for more power. Biggers and Carow are a 1–2 punch that few teams have been able to neutralize.
Pitching leans slightly toward Carow (2.11 ERA vs. Brown’s 2.69), but both teams will need clean defense to survive seven innings.
Prediction: Sebastian River, 6–5. Carow does just enough in the circle and helps herself at the plate.
Regional Final: (1) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. (3) Sebastian River
This feels like a toss-up on paper. Aquinas is more complete 1–9, but Sebastian River has the best top three hitters in the region. If Carow is locked in, she can control Aquinas’ bats—but if she’s off at all, Aquinas will capitalize in a hurry.
Miller will need to be sharp and avoid the heart of the Sharks’ order. It comes down to execution: who gets the clutch hit, who makes the one mistake.
Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas wins Region 4, 4–3. In a nail-biter, the Raiders lean on Miller and the experience of Givens and Brunette to close it out.
Semifinal 1: (1) Niceville vs. (4) North Fort Myers
The Matchup:
North Fort Myers brings a thunderous offense, led by Abigail Hynes (.622, 11 HR) and Audrie Florenzano (.512), but their pitching is vulnerable. They’ve allowed 114 runs combined between their top two pitchers, and against a team like Niceville, that’s not a blueprint for survival.
Niceville, on the other hand, is built for May. Sophomore ace Chloe Bailey (0.79 ERA, 210 Ks) is among the most effective pitchers in Florida, and she’s backed by a tough, contact-heavy lineup. Briana Noles (.453) and Bailey (.338, 5 HR) anchor an offense that doesn’t chase bad pitches and doesn’t beat itself.
Key Factor:
North will score—at least once. But they’ve never faced a pitcher quite like Bailey or a defense this consistent.
Prediction: Niceville, 5–2. Bailey controls the pace, and the Eagles cash in late on North’s shaky pitching.
Semifinal 2: (2) Winter Springs vs. (3) St. Thomas Aquinas
The Matchup:
Winter Springs has quietly become one of the cleanest, most balanced teams in the state. They don’t overwhelm you—but they don’t give you a single free run. Kennedy Jackson (.455) and Alondra Maldonado (.417, 5 HR) lead a lineup that wears pitchers down. Tiffany Seemann (2.48 ERA) and Madison Barahona (2.89) do enough to hold leads, and the defense is airtight.
St. Thomas Aquinas will test that. Freshman Lavinia Miller (1.54 ERA) gives the Raiders a shot in any game, and their top four hitters—including Reese Randall (.403) and Summer Givens (.370)—can produce quickly.
Key Factor:
Can Aquinas manufacture runs against Winter Springs’ deep rotation? If they fall behind early, their lineup doesn’t have the firepower to claw back.
Prediction: Winter Springs, 4–3. Not flashy, but efficient. They do the little things right and ride a clutch defensive play to the final.
State Championship: (1) Niceville vs. (2) Winter Springs
The Matchup:
Both teams have seen top-tier competition. Both have deep lineups and reliable pitching. But only one has Chloe Bailey.
Winter Springs will challenge her more than anyone in this bracket—Jackson, Maldonado, and Wassey (.403) are patient hitters who capitalize on mistakes. But Niceville is better built to win ugly. They grind out at-bats, turn double plays, and don’t give you second chances.
Key Factor:
Bailey’s command vs. Winter Springs’ approach. If she’s locating early, this becomes her game.
Prediction:
Niceville wins the 2025 FHSAA 5A State Championship, 4–1.
A complete performance from the circle to the dugout. Bailey finishes a dominant postseason run, and the Eagles bring home the title to the Panhandle.
