Four regions. Four No. 1 seeds. One loaded bracket. The 2025 FHSAA 6A State Softball Tournament brings together some of the deepest lineups and most dominant arms in the state. Each team arriving in Longwood has earned its shot, from explosive offenses to lockdown pitching staffs. With powerhouse programs clashing in the semifinals, expect high-level execution, pressure-packed innings, and the kind of postseason intensity that defines Florida softball in May.

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Region 1

Quarterfinals

(1) Pace vs. (8) Fletcher

Pace has been one of the most dominant teams in 6A all season, thanks largely to sophomore ace Hannah DeMarcus, who owns a 0.34 ERA with 350 strikeouts and just 29 hits allowed in 143 innings. The lineup is equally dangerous—sophomore Gracie Ueberroth (.420, 8 HR) brings pop in the middle, while senior Abby McLean (.405) and Lana Gonzales (.392) give them depth and consistency. They rarely give away at-bats and are efficient defensively, with very few unearned runs allowed. This is a team that doesn’t just beat you—they wear you out.

Fletcher’s offense is led by freshman Ava Lowman (.414) and junior Tiffany Semack (.397), who give them two reliable contact bats. However, the pitching has struggled all season, with Semack holding a 6.41 ERA and the staff giving up over a run per inning. The defense hasn’t been able to compensate for those struggles, and their margin for error against elite competition is slim. Fletcher will need a near-perfect game to stay close.

Pick: Pace — With the most dominant pitcher in the bracket and a deep, experienced lineup, they’re just too much for Fletcher.

(4) Oakleaf vs. (5) Bartram Trail

Oakleaf leans on senior pitcher Charlotte Maddox, whose 0.82 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 111.1 innings have been the backbone of their season. She’s supported by a disciplined top half of the lineup, with Jaydyn Beall (.444) and Maddox herself (.403) consistently finding ways to get on base. Oakleaf doesn’t have gaudy power numbers but makes up for it with clean defense and the ability to control the pace of the game through the circle. When Maddox is in command, they can compete with anyone.

Bartram Trail counters with offensive firepower. Seniors Lucie McDonald (.432, 5 HR) and Hailey Allen (.459) headline a lineup that has been productive all season, particularly with runners in scoring position. Their question mark is in the circle—freshman Rommeney Patrey (1.95 ERA) has thrown 136 innings but hasn’t faced many top-seeded offenses. If Bartram can score early, they have the bats to hang around, but it’s a tall task against a seasoned ace like Maddox.

Pick: Oakleaf — Maddox’s consistency gives them the edge in a matchup where pitching is the separator.

(3) Navarre vs. (6) South Lake

Navarre is built around a powerful core that can do damage in a hurry. Karsyn Riddle (.412), Natalia Taylor (.400, 5 HR), and Renee Hester (.377) give the Raiders one of the most potent middle-of-the-order combinations in the bracket. However, their pitching staff has been shaky—three arms with ERAs over 2.69, and the team has allowed 16 home runs. They’re a team that wins with offense and knows they may have to outslug their opponents to advance.

South Lake has leaned on freshman Zoie Rogers all year—she’s thrown 145 innings and posted a respectable 3.04 ERA. At the plate, sophomores Chloe Stone (.414) and Makiah Palacio (.392, 4 HR) have been consistent contributors, but the lineup doesn’t have the same depth or pop as Navarre. They’ve managed close wins against lesser competition, but their ability to keep up in a shootout is uncertain. This one likely hinges on how long Rogers can keep Navarre’s hitters off balance.

Pick: Navarre — Their offense is more explosive and deeper, and that gives them the edge in a game where both teams have pitching concerns.

(2) Horizon vs. (7) Tate

Horizon brings a lineup that can match up with just about anyone. Freshman Paisley Hernandez (.487) has been outstanding, and senior Mackenzie Duncan (.455, 25 RBI) brings experience and production in the clutch. Horizon also boasts two strong arms—Addison Lamb (0.33 ERA) and Duncan (1.30 ERA)—giving them the rare ability to mix and match depending on the matchup. With four players hitting over .400, they’re the most complete team outside of Pace.

Tate has some firepower at the top—Kara Wine (.426, 9 HR) is among the most dangerous hitters in the bracket. Peyton Womack (.373) adds a second threat, but the rest of the lineup hasn’t been as consistent. Pitching is a liability: the team ERA is north of 4.00, and the staff has given up 11 home runs. Tate will need a breakout performance from Wine and a clean defensive effort to stay competitive.

Pick: Horizon — The better team in every phase: pitching, depth, and production.

Semifinals

(1) Pace vs. (4) Oakleaf

Two elite pitchers face off here, but Pace simply brings more to the table offensively. While Oakleaf will ride Maddox as long as she can go, they don’t have the power threats to push Pace’s defense or put pressure on DeMarcus. Expect a low-scoring affair early, but if Ueberroth or McLean come through with runners on, that could tilt the game quickly. This one comes down to who can score first—and protect a lead.

Pick: Pace — In a battle of aces, the deeper lineup makes the difference.

(2) Horizon vs. (3) Navarre

Navarre’s bats are explosive, but Horizon’s pitching duo of Lamb and Duncan is built for matchups like this. Expect them to attack Navarre’s power hitters with off-speed early and change looks through the lineup. Offensively, Horizon’s depth will expose Navarre’s pitching, especially in the later innings. Unless Navarre gets out to a lead early, Horizon has the edge in adaptability and execution.

Pick: Horizon — They can win with pitching, defense, or pressure hitting. That flexibility will pay off.

Regional Final: (1) Pace vs. (2) Horizon

A true clash of titans. Horizon has the offensive depth and pitching depth to compete, but facing DeMarcus on a neutral field is a different kind of challenge. If Horizon can string together contact and force Pace’s defense into long innings, they’ll keep it close. But DeMarcus has been untouchable in high-pressure moments all year, and Pace’s veteran lineup has a knack for timely execution.

Region 1 Champion: Pace — Championship-level pitching and mature, mistake-free softball will carry them to Clermont.

Region 2

Quarterfinals

(1) Palm Beach Gardens vs. (8) Melbourne

Palm Beach Gardens has been quietly consistent all year. Senior Victoria Scott (.455) is the engine of the offense, and they’ve got five regulars hitting over .320. The pitching duo of sophomore Shea Towns (1.57 ERA) and senior Sydney Shaffer (2.19 ERA) has been efficient, combining for 192 strikeouts with minimal longball damage allowed. They’re built around stability and rarely give away free bases.

Melbourne has one of the state’s top power bats in sophomore Leilani Ayala (.511, 16 HR, 46 RBI), but not much else to lean on. Pitching has been an issue—Brooklynn Steidl (3.91 ERA) has allowed 133 hits in 114 innings, and the rest of the staff hasn’t fared better. If Ayala doesn’t deliver early, it could get away from them quickly.

Pick: Palm Beach Gardens — Too much balance across the board and not enough depth from Melbourne behind Ayala.

(4) Bloomingdale vs. (5) Dwyer

Bloomingdale brings a stacked lineup that has produced eye-popping power. Senior Natalie Cable (.550, 12 HR) and junior Marley Boucher (.423, 10 HR) headline a group that hit over 30 home runs collectively. Cable also doubles as their ace, with a 1.35 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 78 innings—making her one of the most complete players in the bracket. This team scores in bunches and pitches with poise.

Dwyer has a few capable bats in Kayla Sejnoha (.459) and Sierra Cook (.312, 2 HR), but they’ll struggle to keep pace if the game gets into the high single digits. Pitching is a major concern: the staff ERA is above 4.00, and they’ve allowed double-digit home runs on the season. Without a shutdown option in the circle, their margin for error is paper-thin.

Pick: Bloomingdale — Cable’s arm and the lineup’s slugging power are too much for a Dwyer team lacking frontline pitching.

(3) Bartow vs. (6) Durant

Bartow’s offense is young and effective, led by sophomore Niamah Johnson (.465, 14 doubles) and freshman Emma Huffman (.394, 42 runs). Junior Ryleigh Knowlton and sophomore Brooklyn Tyson share the innings load and have combined for over 175 strikeouts and a sub-2.50 ERA between them. They don’t beat themselves—walks are low, and defensive miscues are rare. There’s a balance here that makes them dangerous beyond just this round.

Durant leans on junior Betty Oderio (1.02 ERA), who’s been terrific in 82 innings, allowing just 12 earned runs and only three home runs. Offensively, they’re lighter, with only one starter above .370 and a team more built on contact than extra-base hits. If they can keep Bartow from putting pressure on early, they can hang around. But their lineup isn’t built for comebacks.

Pick: Bartow — Pitching is nearly even, but Bartow’s offense is more dynamic and playoff-tested.

(2) Lake Howell vs. (7) Viera

Lake Howell features one of the scariest trios in the state—Skaii Rodriguez (.515), Julianna Terito (.472, 5 HR), and Gianna Terito (.438, 6 HR)—and they’ve scored over 200 runs as a unit. In the circle, senior Rhianna Hudson (1.54 ERA) and Faith Stoyle (1.76 ERA) have been a reliable combo all season, with more than 170 combined strikeouts and just six home runs allowed. This is a complete team that can control the tempo of a game from either end.

Viera has some pop in the lineup, particularly sophomore Madison Rider (.524) and senior Tori Berry (.425, 5 HR), but they’ve had to outscore opponents due to an unreliable pitching staff. Three pitchers carry ERAs above 3.40, and control issues have plagued them late in games. Against a lineup like Lake Howell’s, mistakes are magnified.

Pick: Lake Howell — Too deep, too balanced, and too seasoned for Viera to outslug for seven innings.

Semifinals

(1) Palm Beach Gardens vs. (4) Bloomingdale

This is a clash between a team that chips away and defends well (Gardens) versus one that can break it open in a few swings (Bloomingdale). If Cable keeps the ball in the park and neutralizes Scott and Frankl, Bloomingdale has a chance to win it behind their power bats. But Palm Beach Gardens’ steady approach, especially on the mound with Towns and Shaffer, gives them more flexibility in a close game.

Pick: Palm Beach Gardens — More ways to win, and fewer mistakes on both sides of the ball.

(2) Lake Howell vs. (3) Bartow

Both teams bring elite hitters and reliable pitching, but Lake Howell’s advantage lies in lineup depth and big-game experience. Bartow will compete pitch-for-pitch, and if Tyson or Knowlton can limit damage early, they could make it interesting. But Howell’s top four hitters are all capable of producing extra-base damage, and their pitching has been a shade better against top competition.

Pick: Lake Howell — More proven arms, and a lineup with few soft spots.

Regional Final: (1) Palm Beach Gardens vs. (2) Lake Howell

This one has all the makings of a coin-flip final. Gardens brings consistency, defense, and an ace duo that keeps the ball in the yard. Lake Howell’s firepower might give them the offensive edge, but the question will be whether Hudson and Stoyle can avoid free passes and limit Scott’s table-setting.

In the end, it may come down to execution in the late innings—and Palm Beach Gardens has done that all season long.

Region 2 Champion: Palm Beach Gardens — Fewer cracks in the armor, and a staff built for tournament pressure.

Region 3

Quarterfinals

(1) Parrish Community vs. (8) Plant

Parrish is loaded with young, efficient hitters and a trio of reliable arms. Alysa Jones (.458, 13 doubles) and Mackenzie Pandelo (.382, 3 HR) anchor a lineup that doesn’t overpower you but wears down pitchers with contact and timely hitting. On the mound, Emmaline Van Beck (1.64 ERA, 122 Ks) and Isabella Yazzetti (0.62 ERA) form arguably the most statistically dominant duo in the region. They’ve allowed just five home runs in over 160 combined innings.

Plant has a dangerous leadoff weapon in Kate Compton (.449, 7 HR, 36 runs), but they lack support behind her. The pitching staff has struggled—Gigi Cozzens (3.16 ERA) and Summer Wood (4.42 ERA) have given up 100+ hits and 11 home runs combined. If they can’t keep Parrish off the bases, Compton’s production won’t be enough to pull an upset.

Pick: Parrish Community — Superior arms and a relentless offense make them a bad matchup for a vulnerable Plant squad.

(4) Steinbrenner vs. (5) Palm Harbor University

Steinbrenner has a legitimate ace in Lilly Patton (0.90 ERA, 129 Ks), who’s thrown over 130 innings and allowed just eight home runs. The offense spreads the wealth—Sophie Luaces (.368) and Callie Bergen (.359) provide table-setting and RBI threats, and the team doesn’t rely on one bat to do the damage. When Patton is in rhythm, they grind teams down with pace and defense.

Palm Harbor has a potent trio of hitters—Emma Shipley (.434, 6 HR), Mylie Stout (.423, 3 HR), and Amelia Curry (.394) all bring playoff experience and production. Stout (1.63 ERA) also carries the pitching load and has fared well over 90+ innings, though she’s given up seven long balls. If the bats can strike early, Palm Harbor can pressure Patton, but they’ll need to be nearly flawless.

Pick: Steinbrenner — Patton is the difference in a close one. Her consistency and experience give them the edge.

(3) Mitchell vs. (6) Wiregrass Ranch

Mitchell’s offense is as deep as any in the state—five players hit over .370, with Taylor Tucker (.433, 3 HR) and Madyson Whitaker (.442) leading the charge. The freshman duo of Toukatly and Tucker in the circle have ERAs under 1.70 and combine for over 170 Ks. This team scores in layers and has the pitching to protect a lead.

Wiregrass Ranch hits for power—Aubrey Zechmann (.590) and Kayla Valentin (.388, 5 HR) headline a group with six hitters above .375 and a combined 10 triples and 10 home runs. But their pitching is less sharp. Reagan Beagle (2.22 ERA) has been solid, but the staff has allowed 7 home runs and 67 walks—numbers that won’t hold up against Mitchell’s top-to-bottom lineup.

Pick: Mitchell — Balanced, powerful, and battle-tested, with enough in the circle to outlast Wiregrass.

(2) East Lake vs. (7) Palmetto

East Lake has the best offense in the region on paper. Junior Lucy Mondok (.437, 14 HR, 37 RBI) has been a force, and four other starters hit above .400, including senior Anna Folger (.423). Mondok is also the team’s ace, boasting a 0.99 ERA over 106 innings with just 22 walks—making her one of the top dual threats in 6A.

Palmetto has done well to reach this point, largely on the back of senior MaKenna Lee, who’s hit .391 and thrown 112 innings with a 1.56 ERA and 212 strikeouts. But she has little support around her—only one other hitter is above .360, and the offense struggles to manufacture runs. If Lee doesn’t throw a gem, it could get away from them.

Pick: East Lake — Too much offensive firepower, and Mondok gives them a reliable answer in the circle.

Semifinals

(1) Parrish Community vs. (4) Steinbrenner

This will be a chess match between two disciplined teams with elite pitching. Parrish’s ability to cycle through three arms—none with an ERA over 1.70—gives them flexibility, while Steinbrenner leans heavily on Patton. Offensively, Parrish has more weapons and has shown they can create scoring chances without relying on power. Steinbrenner will compete, but the pressure adds up late.

Pick: Parrish Community — Pitching depth and lineup balance wear down Patton in a low-scoring battle.

(2) East Lake vs. (3) Mitchell

Expect fireworks here. East Lake has the best power-hitting in the region, but Mitchell’s lineup can match them in OBP and contact. The difference may come down to which staff handles traffic better—Mondok has been dominant, but Mitchell has two reliable arms in Tucker and Toukatly who keep walks low and limit damage. This could go either way, but pitching depth matters over seven innings.

Pick: Mitchell — Slight edge to a deeper pitching staff and a team that can win with singles or home runs.

Regional Final: (1) Parrish Community vs. (3) Mitchell

Both teams have dominated their halves of the bracket with consistent pitching and versatile offenses. Parrish holds a slight edge in ERA across their trio, and they’ve allowed fewer extra-base hits overall. Mitchell’s bats give them a shot, especially if they get into Parrish’s bullpen early. But if Van Beck or Mandarine settle in, they’ll keep the game within their comfort zone.

Region 3 Champion: Parrish Community — They control the tempo and have the arms to finish off a regional title.

Region 4

Quarterfinals

(1) Doral Academy vs. (8) Miami Beach

Doral Academy might have the most dangerous lineup in the state. Anabela Abdullah (.618, 14 HR, 53 RBI) is a nightmare at the plate, with Zoey Abdullah (.519) and Sarah Breaux (.467, 10 HR) forming a lethal top three. The scary part? Their pitching is just as dominant. Senior Meagan Villazon (0.53 ERA, 224 Ks) has allowed just 38 hits in 118 innings.

Miami Beach has gaudy offensive numbers of its own—Maricela Mesarina (.667, 5 HR) and four others over .400—but the pitching is thin. Mesarina also throws most of the innings (4.23 ERA, 103 hits in 87 IP), and the team has allowed over 100 runs. In a shootout, they don’t have the arms to survive seven innings with Doral.

Pick: Doral Academy — Elite hitting and overpowering pitching make them nearly untouchable in this matchup.

(4) Fort Lauderdale vs. (5) Monarch

Fort Lauderdale gets strong production from Quinn McFadden (.510, 9 doubles) and the Keenan sisters, but they lack pitching depth. Kylie Keenan (2.94 ERA, 111 Ks) has logged over 90 innings, but the team’s allowed nearly as many runs as innings pitched. Offensively, they’re efficient, but not overpowering.

Monarch is one of the more underrated lineups in the bracket. Four starters hit over .440, including Mylie Carlson (.521) and Sammie Rice (.444), and they’ve combined for 16 extra-base hits. Pitching remains a concern—Mia Macaione (4.38 ERA) has been serviceable but gives up frequent contact, and Elena Ramirez hasn’t been reliable against strong lineups.

Pick: Monarch — Slight edge in lineup depth and more run support behind a comparable arm.

(3) Braddock vs. (6) West Boca Raton

Braddock is built on offense—six starters bat over .400, with Emely Ramirez (.516) and Emily Cancio (.415) leading the way. Ramirez also anchors the circle with 78 Ks in 69 innings, but her 99 hits allowed is cause for concern. They’ve proven they can win high-scoring games, but things get dicey when facing aggressive lineups.

West Boca Raton can hit. Madison Luft (.429), Araya Brunner (.426), and Gabriela Thigpen (.419) power a team that’s averaged over five runs per game. But their pitching is a liability—two freshmen carry ERAs north of 7.00, and combined they’ve surrendered 157 hits in 90 innings. That won’t work against Braddock’s contact-heavy offense.

Pick: Braddock — More experience, more discipline at the plate, and enough arm talent to contain a hot but shallow West Boca squad.

(2) South Plantation vs. (7) Cooper City

South Plantation can hit from top to bottom. Seven starters bat over .360, and Grace Boehly (.500), Amelia Rodriguez (.375), and Samantha O’Steen (.364) give the lineup serious versatility. But the pitching is a big red flag—Reese Chesney (4.68 ERA) and McKenna Henschel (5.75 ERA) have allowed a combined 155 runs.

Cooper City is a young squad led by freshmen and sophomores. Marina Recht (.366) and Aileen Laffita (.328) are producing, but the team has struggled defensively and on the mound. Their three pitchers have ERAs over 4.20, and they’ve surrendered double-digit home runs and high walk rates.

Pick: South Plantation — Lineup depth wins out, even if the game turns into a slugfest.

Semifinals

(1) Doral Academy vs. (5) Monarch

Doral’s offense will test every inch of Monarch’s defense. With four hitters slugging over .460 and multiple double-digit RBI producers, Doral applies pressure fast. Monarch has the bats to stay close early, but Macaione has allowed 77 hits in 60 innings—trouble against Doral’s power. Villazon’s strikeout stuff likely keeps Monarch from stringing together rallies.

Pick: Doral Academy — Monarch’s offense might score early, but Villazon shuts it down late. Doral pulls away.

(2) South Plantation vs. (3) Braddock

Both teams can rake, but Braddock has the edge on the mound. Emely Ramirez gives them a more reliable presence in the circle than anything South Plantation can offer. Offensively, this could go either way, but Braddock’s ability to limit free passes gives them the edge. Expect a wild, high-scoring affair.

Pick: Braddock — More efficient pitching in a game that could see double-digit runs.

Regional Final: (1) Doral Academy vs. (3) Braddock

This is a rematch Doral will be ready for. Braddock has great offensive depth, but they haven’t faced anything close to Villazon’s dominance in the circle. Doral has only allowed two home runs all season. If Braddock can’t string together hits—and that’s a tall task against a team allowing just 1.3 runs per game—it’ll be over quickly.

Region 4 Champion: Doral Academy — Power, pitching, and polish. They’ll be a threat in Longwood.

Final Four

Semifinal 1: (1) Doral Academy vs. (1) Palm Beach Gardens

Doral Academy enters as the most complete team in the state. Their top four hitters are combining to hit over .500 with 36 home runs and more than 150 RBIs. Anabela Abdullah (.618, 14 HR) is one of the most feared bats in Florida, and Villazon (0.53 ERA, 224 Ks) has pitched like a champion all season. They’re outscoring opponents by nearly 10 runs per game and have allowed just 16 earned runs in over 160 innings. Simply put, there are no weak links.

Palm Beach Gardens counters with a more traditional formula — depth, discipline, and experienced pitching. Victoria Scott (.455) and Holly Frankl (.329, 8 doubles, 2 HR) lead a solid offense, but they’ve leaned on the steady arms of Shea Towns (1.57 ERA) and Sydney Shaffer (2.19 ERA) to grind out close games. The concern? They’ve hit just four home runs all year and haven’t faced a lineup with this much firepower.

Pick: Doral Academy — Palm Beach Gardens has the composure to compete, but Doral’s lineup is too deep and Villazon too dominant. Expect a close first few innings before Doral breaks it open.

Semifinal 2: (1) Pace vs. (1) Parrish Community

Pace brings one of the most elite arms in the state in Hannah DeMarcus (0.34 ERA, 350 Ks), who’s given up just seven earned runs all season. She has 17 complete games and has held hitters to a .062 average. Offensively, Gracie Ueberroth (.420, 8 HR), Abby McLean (.405), and Laila Gonzales (.392) give the Patriots plenty of punch. They’re not flashy, but they are surgical — they suffocate teams on both ends.

Parrish Community has one of the deepest and most flexible rosters in 6A, with three arms under a 1.70 ERA and a lineup that makes few mistakes. Alysa Jones (.458, 13 2B) and Mackenzie Pandelo (.382, 3 HR) fuel an offense that doesn’t rely on power but scores in bunches. In a game with this kind of pace and pressure, the question is whether their offense can create enough opportunities against DeMarcus.

➡ Pick: Pace — This one has the feel of a 2–1 or 3–0 grinder. DeMarcus is too locked in right now, and Pace has enough offense to edge a disciplined but less dynamic Parrish team.

6A State Championship Prediction: Doral Academy vs. Pace

A perfect matchup to end the season:

  • Doral, the offensive juggernaut with a 20+ win ace

  • Pace, the shutdown crew that barely allows contact

The key will be who controls tempo. If DeMarcus can keep Doral from scoring early, Pace will gain confidence — but the margin for error is razor thin. Doral’s lineup can go from quiet to explosive in one swing, and they don’t need mistakes to capitalize. The longer the game stays tight, the more likely Doral’s bats wear down Pace’s pitching.

Pick: Doral Academy — They’ve looked like a team on a mission since opening day. Even against an ace like DeMarcus, they have too many weapons and too much poise. Doral takes the 6A crown.