The 2025 FHSAA Class 2A State Tournament brings together a deep and competitive field from across Florida, where small-school size doesn’t mean small-time talent. With 32 teams spread across four regions, this year’s bracket features dominant pitchers, high-powered offenses, and a handful of under-the-radar contenders looking to disrupt the path of the favorites. From experienced title hopefuls to hungry programs chasing their first deep run, every corner of the bracket has intrigue. Here’s a full look at the teams, matchups, and players to watch as the road to Longwood begins.
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Region 1
Quarterfinal 1: (1) North Bay Haven Academy vs (8) Walton
North Bay Haven (Panama City, FL) – Class Rank: 3
This squad doesn’t just hit—they hammer. Led by the absurdly productive Kaylee Goodpaster (.646, 50 RBI, 9 HR), North Bay Haven’s lineup is layered and lethal. Behind her, you’ve got Ally Brady and Bailee Gladden—both batting over .460 with solid pop. Even the freshmen are in on the party: Addison Mallon and McKenzie Goff are raking in their first varsity campaign, showing plate maturity well beyond their years.
But what makes them truly scary is that they’re not just mashers. Mallon (again, a freshman) is their workhorse in the circle. Her 1.71 ERA over 82 innings, backed by 91 Ks and just 13 walks, tells you all you need to know. She may not blow hitters away with velocity, but she pounds the zone and doesn’t let innings spiral.
Walton (DeFuniak Springs, FL) – Class Rank: 33
Walton’s quietly gritty. Their lineup, while not as top-heavy, gets contributions from up and down the order. Chloe Bendure (.353) and Izzy Holden (.339) provide some contact, and junior Raina Pitts has been a do-it-all player, logging 66 innings and batting .328. She’s also shared time in the circle with Bella Baker, who holds a solid 2.75 ERA and 64 Ks in 43.1 innings.
The Matchup
North Bay Haven’s firepower is undeniable, but this is also a team starting multiple underclassmen in key roles. Could the tournament spotlight rattle them early? That’s where Walton needs to strike. Pitts and Baker will have to navigate a lineup that feasts on mistakes. If Walton can keep the ball in the yard and string together some chaos on the basepaths, maybe they make it interesting.
X-Factor: North Bay Haven’s plate discipline. If they chase less and make Walton pitch into tough counts, this one could unravel quickly.
Prediction: North Bay Haven 9, Walton 2 – Too much thunder, too much Mallon.
Quarterfinal 2: (4) Bozeman vs (5) Bishop Snyder
Bozeman (Panama City, FL) – Class Rank: 21
Bozeman can hit—no doubt about it. Addison John (.547), Presley Thomason (.500), and Kinsey Bruhmuller (.462) give them a dangerous top of the order. Thomason in particular has flashed gap-to-gap power (5 triples, 2 homers), and this group can rack up crooked numbers when they’re hot.
The concern? The pitching is shaky. No one on this staff has an ERA under 3.50, and all four arms have given up their share of barrels. They’ve got arms, but not aces.
Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville, FL) – Class Rank: 24
This team has a little more balance. Chloe Gotto (.625, 12 doubles, 3 triples) is one of the most under-the-radar sluggers in the bracket. And she also pitches—alongside Caitlyn Boshell, whose 2.49 ERA across nearly 100 innings gives Snyder a legitimate shot in any game.
They’re younger than they look on paper but quietly seasoned, and they’ve been tested in a tough schedule. Gotto + Boshell is a serious 1-2 punch.
The Matchup
This is arguably the most evenly matched quarterfinal in the region. Bozeman has more team speed and punch, but Snyder has a better circle situation. If Boshell can avoid walking hitters and Gotto makes her usual noise at the plate, Snyder’s got a path.
X-Factor: Defensive efficiency. Neither of these teams can afford to give away free bases—the one that plays cleaner wins.
Prediction: Bishop Snyder 6, Bozeman 4 – Pitching wins in May, and Snyder’s got just enough.
Quarterfinal 3: (3) Episcopal School of Jacksonville vs (6) Freeport
Episcopal – Class Rank: 9
Episcopal is a blend of steady bats and one big workhorse. Riley Valent is the center of it all—both in the circle (2.75 ERA, 152.2 IP) and at the plate (.316 with 4 HR). Amelia Oreair (.461, 7 HR) and freshman sparkplug Emily Davidson (.462) round out a lineup that won’t blow teams away but finds ways to score consistently.
The challenge? Beyond Valent, there’s not much pitching depth. If she gets into trouble or wears down, the backup options get dicey—Clayman has struggled in her limited innings.
Freeport – Class Rank: 26
On paper, this is a longshot. But Freeport’s got some punch. Kayla Stephens (.471, 16 doubles) is a senior who’s been around the block, and Faith McDonald (.426) gives them a second bat with extra-base potential. The team lacks innings from reliable arms—Kaylee Carroll is their go-to, and she’s done well with a 3.63 ERA—but she’s thrown a lot.
The Matchup
If Carroll is fresh, and Freeport can jump on Valent early, this could tighten up. Episcopal’s margin for error isn’t massive. But Valent is a battler, and if she settles in, she can control tempo and get outs through contact.
X-Factor: Episcopal’s patience at the plate. Carroll walks a few too many, and if the Eagles lay off the rise ball, they could build innings the slow and steady way.
Prediction: Episcopal 5, Freeport 3 – Valent hangs tough and Oreair provides the big swing.
Quarterfinal 4: (2) Baldwin vs (7) Florida High (Tallahassee)
Baldwin – Class Rank: 7
This team is offensively deep and has one of the better 1-2 punches in the bracket. Kendall North (.466) and Jazmine Ramos-Merced (.382 with 9 home runs) headline a lineup that can beat you in multiple ways. Throw in Raven Watson, who adds speed and pop, and they’ve got a serious threat from 1 through 6.
In the circle, Hayden Peebles (1.65 ERA, 112 Ks in 89.1 IP) is a grinder. She won’t dominate every time out, but she’s rarely overwhelmed.
Florida High – Class Rank: 27
Offensively? Not bad. Presley Donaldson (.456, 4 HR), Lawton Hosey (.429), and Anna Castillo (.345) form a core that can do damage if they get runners on base. But the problem is defense—and pitching. Shyla Wiley has thrown almost 90 innings, and while she’s got 100 strikeouts, she’s also allowed 14 home runs.
Against a power-heavy Baldwin lineup, that’s a red flag waving wildly.
The Matchup
If Florida High wants to hang around, they need to pitch smart—not just hard—and take advantage of any sloppy defense from Baldwin (which does happen on occasion). But over 7 innings, Baldwin’s offense likely breaks through.
X-Factor: Jazmine Ramos-Merced. If she leaves the yard early, Florida High could be chasing all night.
Prediction: Baldwin 8, Florida High 3 – Too much punch. Too much Peebles.
Region 1 Semifinals Preview
(1) North Bay Haven vs (5) Bishop Snyder
This is where the freshman nerves might show. Bishop Snyder is the kind of scrappy, well-pitched team that could frustrate NBH. But Mallon in the circle and a lineup full of extra-base threats should carry the top seed through.
Prediction: North Bay Haven 7, Bishop Snyder 4
(2) Baldwin vs (3) Episcopal
This feels like a coin toss. Baldwin has a more dynamic offense. Episcopal leans on Valent. In the end, Baldwin’s length in the order and the Peebles factor gives them the nod.
Prediction: Baldwin 6, Episcopal 5
Region 1 Final: (1) North Bay Haven vs (2) Baldwin
Fireworks expected. This is a dream final—Mallon vs. Peebles, Goodpaster vs. Ramos-Merced. The game could hinge on one big swing or one defensive miscue.
But here’s the deal: North Bay Haven hasn’t blinked all year. They’ve hit elite pitching, handled pressure, and gotten better as the season’s gone on. In a tight one, they find a way.
Prediction: North Bay Haven 5, Baldwin 4
The freshman ace delivers. The junior slugger walks it off. Region 1 belongs to the Bucs.
Region 2
Quarterfinal 1: (1) Montverde Academy vs (8) The First Academy
Montverde Academy – Class Rank: 1
This team doesn’t have a weak link. Luna Taboas (.663) might be the best pure hitter in the entire bracket—her numbers are cartoonish. Addison Poe (.456, 8 HR) adds the thunder. Danika Spinogatti brings experience and pop. And in the circle, Nevaeh Williams is borderline untouchable: 0.97 ERA, 139 strikeouts in just under 80 innings. She has sharp command and barely walks anyone.
If you’re looking for a flaw, you have to squint. Maybe lineup protection beyond the top 5 could get tested. Maybe.
The First Academy (Orlando) – Class Rank: 25
TFA is gritty, but this is a tough draw. Isabella Brown (.483) and Sulexy Falcon (.406) lead the offense, and Brown also doubles as the team’s ace—tossing 77.1 innings with a 3.80 ERA. The problem? Their second pitcher gives up nearly 8 runs per seven innings, and Brown alone won’t be enough to hold back Montverde’s avalanche of offense.
The Matchup
If TFA is going to make this remotely competitive, they need a perfect game from Brown, some walks, and a couple of fluky hops. That’s a lot of ifs. Montverde has the lineup depth, pitching control, and swagger to put games away early.
X-Factor: The first inning. If Montverde drops a 4-spot early, it’s curtains. But if Brown can toss a clean first, maybe the pressure mounts.
Prediction: Montverde 10, TFA 1 – Over fast, under control.
Quarterfinal 2: (4) Melbourne Central Catholic vs (5) Newberry
Melbourne Central Catholic – Class Rank: 13
They don’t have an overwhelming ace, but they’ve got a complete offense. Rollinger (.486), Lowe (.475), and Prayto (.388) give MCC one of the most dangerous top threes in the bracket. Pitching-wise, they’ve leaned on Prayto (1.74 ERA) and Rollinger (3.43 ERA) to eat innings, and while they don’t rack up Ks, they pitch to contact and let the offense carry the weight.
Newberry – Class Rank: 17
This might be the most slept-on team in the region. They don’t have a .600 hitter, but they’ve got eight hitters batting .300 or better and three legit arms. Gracie Mattson (.521) is as dangerous as anyone in this region, and she’s complemented by Layfield (.422) and Kennard (.410). In the circle, Madison Rodgers (2.04 ERA) and Sarah Burns (2.71 ERA) form a solid tandem with good control and poise.
The Matchup
This is a true toss-up. Melbourne Central’s offense may have more high-end pop, but Newberry’s rotation is more battle-tested. MCC lives by scoring early; Newberry wins by staying close and capitalizing late.
X-Factor: The long ball. If MCC leaves the yard once or twice, it could tilt this. But if it turns into a tight, grind-it-out affair, Newberry has the edge.
Prediction: Newberry 6, MCC 5 – Slight upset, but earned. Balanced lineup, better depth in the circle.
Quarterfinal 3: (3) Cornerstone Charter vs (6) Windermere Prep
Cornerstone Charter – Class Rank: 11
Cornerstone is solid, steady, and a little under the radar. Emma Pynes (.429, 14 doubles, 7 HR) and Liany Rosario (.425) give them juice at the top. The lineup doesn’t fall off a cliff after that, and while their pitching staff doesn’t dominate, it holds serve. Bekah Mitchell leads the way with a 3.84 ERA over 82 innings.
They’ve given up runs—but they’ve also played in a lot of close games and know how to claw back.
Windermere Prep – Class Rank: 19
This team is fun. Cierra Walker (.574), Kylie Konstand (.481), and Carsha Campbell (.455) make up a terrifying trio at the top. They rake. In the circle, Vanessa Nawracaj is the heart of it all—1.98 ERA with 121 Ks in 60 innings. She’s their strikeout machine, and she’s going to need to carry them.
Their issue? Beyond Nawracaj, the drop-off is steep.
The Matchup
This is another classic “pitcher vs lineup” chess match. If Nawracaj can limit Cornerstone to 2–3 runs and Windermere’s bats show up, they can absolutely pull this off. But if Nawracaj fades, there’s not much relief waiting behind her.
X-Factor: Pynes vs. Nawracaj. One of the best hitters in the bracket against one of its best strikeout artists.
Prediction: Cornerstone 5, Windermere Prep 4 – It goes down to the wire, but Cornerstone gets the big hit late.
Quarterfinal 4: (2) Trinity Catholic vs (7) Keystone Heights
Trinity Catholic (Ocala, FL) – Class Rank: 8
One of the best 1-2 pitching punches in the state. Caylee Barbe (1.20 ERA, 156 Ks in 93.2 IP) is a sophomore dealing like a senior, and Lourdes Ornelas has been steady in her backup role. The offense is anchored by—you guessed it—Barbe, who also hits .500 with 8 home runs. Emma Simms and Casey Houghtaling bring some balance.
Their wins don’t always look pretty, but they get it done.
Keystone Heights – Class Rank: 22
This team grinds, but the numbers don’t lie—they’re the clear underdog here. Massey (.278, 2.93 ERA) and Cisco (4.99 ERA) are doing their best in the circle, but against a team like Trinity, they’ll be asked to do a lot. Offensively, no one’s hitting above .300, and run production has been a challenge all year.
The Matchup
Unless Barbe implodes, this is a mismatch. Trinity can win this game without scoring more than 4. Their staff is too good, and Keystone doesn’t have the offensive horsepower to put up a fight without some help.
X-Factor: Patience. Trinity can’t fall asleep at the wheel. Play clean, get out early, and don’t get cute.
Prediction: Trinity Catholic 7, Keystone Heights 1 – Barbe does what Barbe does. On cruise control.
Region 2 Semifinals Preview
(1) Montverde vs (5) Newberry
Newberry’s a battler, but Montverde has the arm (Williams) and the arsenal (Taboas, Poe, Spinogatti) to overwhelm them. Newberry might hang around for a while, but Montverde will pull away late.
Prediction: Montverde 7, Newberry 2
(2) Trinity Catholic vs (3) Cornerstone
This one’s intriguing. Cornerstone has more offensive depth, but Trinity has the better ace. Barbe’s dual-threat ability is the difference in a tight one.
Prediction: Trinity Catholic 4, Cornerstone 3
Region 2 Final: (1) Montverde Academy vs (2) Trinity Catholic
Two legit programs. Two dominant aces. But Montverde’s lineup is just deeper, and they’ve got the luxury of a second arm in La’Breah Sands (2.46 ERA) to keep Trinity honest. Barbe will compete, but over seven innings, Montverde’s relentless offense will break through.
Prediction: Montverde 6, Trinity Catholic 3
Williams shuts it down. Poe leaves the yard. Montverde punches their ticket.
Region 3
Quarterfinal 1: (1) Calvary Christian vs (8) Clearwater Central Catholic
Calvary Christian (Clearwater, FL) – Class Rank: 2
This team walks in with arguably the best 1-2 pitching punch in the state and one of the deepest lineups. Let’s start with Morgen Talley—the senior ace with a 0.78 ERA, 157 Ks in 90 IP, and a sense of command that’s surgical. Not to be overshadowed, freshman Morgan Spinner has actually out-ERA’d her with a sparkling 0.61 and 60 Ks over 46 innings. If you score on these girls, you’ve earned it.
Offensively? It’s a parade. Alexis Camilleri (.442), Julia Tamulski (.441), and Braylee Rano (.429 with speed and power) set the table. Then there’s Talley herself (.345, 6 HR), who pitches and rakes. This group can beat you with small ball or leave the yard in a hurry.
Clearwater Central Catholic – Class Rank: 40
To their credit, CCC can swing it. They’re hitting .384 as a team and spreading production across the order. K. Foubister (.456), S. Negron (.453), and A. Rosado (.480) are all tough outs. Bethanny Ortiz adds a little pop.
But pitching is the major red flag here. M. Whelan (5.36 ERA) and S. Zaralban (9.47 ERA) have struggled to keep runs off the board—and now they’re tasked with shutting down a lineup that feasts on mistakes.
The Matchup
This could get sideways quickly. Talley and Spinner have both dominated far better lineups than CCC, and unless Clearwater’s bats catch absolute fire, it’s going to be hard to string together anything resembling a rally. If CCC wants a puncher’s chance, they’ll need to score early and hope for chaos.
X-Factor: CCC’s defense. If they’re clean and limit free bases, maybe they hang for four or five innings. But if errors creep in, Calvary will pounce.
Prediction: Calvary Christian 11, CCC 0 (5 inn) – Talley throws a 1-hitter, and Rano causes mayhem.
Quarterfinal 2: (4) Berkeley Prep vs (5) Cardinal Mooney
Berkeley Prep (Tampa, FL) – Class Rank: 15
Berkeley comes in with a clear identity: pitching and timely power. Avery Powers is a legitimate ace with a 1.13 ERA and 158 Ks over 93 innings. She’s not flashy—just flat-out efficient. But she can’t do it alone, and that’s where things get interesting.
At the plate, P. Quinn, M. Crerand, and E. Malin all bat around .320, and all three have shown some slugging ability. Still, this is not a deep lineup, and they’ve leaned heavily on low-scoring wins.
Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota, FL) – Class Rank: 20
This is a team built on contact hitting and offensive variety. Olivia Lockhart (.574), Ava Proffitt (.435), and Kaitlyn Will (.426) lead a squad that’s hit .400+ across multiple spots in the order. Lockhart is a problem—she’s a consistent on-base threat with speed and extra-base juice.
Pitching is a bit lighter. Erin Sugg (2.62 ERA) and Will (3.39) split the work. Both throw strikes, but neither is going to overpower a lineup.
The Matchup
This is a styles clash: Mooney wants tempo and offense, Berkeley wants control and strikeouts. Powers is the best arm in this game, but if Mooney’s contact-heavy approach rattles her rhythm and forces her into long innings, we could see this turn.
X-Factor: Mooney’s approach at the plate. If they can string hits and force Berkeley to play from behind, things get tight.
Prediction: Cardinal Mooney 4, Berkeley Prep 2 – Mild upset. Mooney executes the game plan, and Lockhart goes 3-for-4 with 2 RBI.
Quarterfinal 3: (3) Tampa Catholic vs (6) Lake Placid
Tampa Catholic – Class Rank: 12
Tampa Catholic is quietly dangerous. They’ve got a rising star in Josslynn Grimsley (.429, 9 doubles, 2 HR), and a supporting cast that hits for average and sprays the field. The real weapon here, though, is Olivia Ricciardi. Not only is she batting .326, but she’s also their ace—boasting a 1.03 ERA and 113 Ks in 95 innings. She’s the kind of pitcher who can anchor a postseason run.
Lake Placid – Class Rank: 23
There’s a lot to like about this lineup. Kayla Oliveros, Emily Tharp, and P. Person are all hitting over .400. K. Grigsby (.395) adds another threat, and she also logs innings. But the pitching is, at best, volatile. Tharp and Garduno both have ERAs above 4.30, and Grigsby sits at 5.79. Against playoff-caliber lineups, that’s tough to overcome.
The Matchup
Tampa Catholic’s edge comes from Ricciardi. Lake Placid can absolutely score, but they haven’t faced many arms like hers. If she can keep the ball down and neutralize their doubles power, Tampa Catholic should control this one.
X-Factor: Base running. Lake Placid runs well, and if they can manufacture runs without hits, this might tighten up late.
Prediction: Tampa Catholic 6, Lake Placid 3 – Ricciardi goes the distance, Grimsley and Kirchen deliver key knocks.
Quarterfinal 4: (2) Bishop Verot vs (7) Avon Park
Bishop Verot (Fort Myers, FL) – Class Rank: 6
Bishop Verot didn’t cruise to that No. 2 seed—they earned it the hard way. This group played one of the tougher slates in the bracket, taking on a string of high-level programs that hardened their edges and exposed their depth in all the right ways. That experience shows, especially in the circle, where Verot can roll out three different arms with confidence. Crimson Lawrence (1.50 ERA) is the ace, but Paige Bettermann (2.15) and Payton Breadmore (3.68) have each logged quality innings against real competition.
At the plate, Verot’s top half is legit. Jaelyn Riley (.452) sets the tone, and Willa Pagnutti (.435) is a line-drive machine. But don’t overlook McKenna Robbins, who also hits over .400 and brings real presence to that top half—she can burn teams with extra-base power or extend innings with disciplined at-bats. This lineup doesn’t rely on one or two players to carry the load, and they don’t spook easily. Lawrence has also been hot at the plate.
Avon Park – Class Rank: 28
Avon Park brings a scrappy energy. Skylar Hicks (.448) is a spark plug at the top, and Kamya Brassell (.388) gives them a speed/power combo that can cause headaches. P. Macias (3.12 ERA) leads the way in the circle and has been reliable, but she’ll need to be close to perfect to keep this one in reach.
Their challenge is depth. Beyond Macias, the pitching gets dicey, and in a seven-inning game against a team like Verot, the margin is razor-thin. If their defense falters or the strike zone isn’t tight, innings can snowball.
The Matchup
Verot’s tested. They’ve seen better lineups and harder throwers than what Avon Park will bring, and they’ve come out tougher for it. This one likely comes down to whether Macias can hold the line for 4-5 innings without the game getting away. But even then, Verot’s patient enough to wait her out.
X-Factor: Robbins. With Riley and Pagnutti likely setting the table, Robbins’ ability to drive runs early could break this open before the fourth inning.
Prediction: Bishop Verot 9, Avon Park 2 – Too many weapons, too much polish. Verot’s depth and tournament grit carry them to the semis with room to spare.
Region 3 Semifinals Preview
(1) Calvary Christian vs (5) Cardinal Mooney
Mooney’s ride ends here. Talley and Spinner will chew through their lineup, and Camilleri, Rano, and Tamulski are too much to hold down.
Prediction: Calvary 8, Mooney 1
(2) Bishop Verot vs (3) Tampa Catholic
Now we’ve got a real fight. Ricciardi vs. Verot’s lineup is a heavyweight bout, but Verot’s experience, depth, and ability to adapt gives them the edge.
Prediction: Bishop Verot 5, Tampa Catholic 3
Region 3 Final: (1) Calvary Christian vs (2) Bishop Verot
This could be a state title game in disguise. Verot has the pitching depth to match Calvary pitch for pitch. But Calvary’s lineup is just deeper, and their two-headed pitching monster gives them more late-inning control. Expect a classic. Do not be surprised to see a pitcher’s duel or a track meet, an interesting match-up where depth may be the key factor.
Prediction: Calvary Christian 4, Bishop Verot 2
Talley goes six, Spinner closes it. Rano scores twice. The Warriors win the war.
Region 4
Quarterfinal 1: (1) Westminster Christian vs (8) Cardinal Newman
Westminster Christian (Miami, FL) – Class Rank: 4
Don’t let the low-key demeanor fool you—Westminster has the pieces to make a real run. Gigi Khoury (.483, 9 doubles, 3 HR) is the headliner, and when she gets going, she puts pressure on defenses with pop and speed. Jasmine Armenteros (.342, 4 HR) brings thump from the two-hole, and Mya Rodgers (.381) is a reliable bat with plate discipline. On offense, this team doesn’t need a ton of hits to manufacture damage.
Pitching-wise, they’ve leaned on Kaley Dyer (2.70 ERA in 103.2 IP) and Rodgers as a solid 1-2 combo. Dyer doesn’t overpower, but she keeps hitters guessing and limits hard contact. Rodgers adds spot innings with some bite—her 3.22 ERA isn’t flashy, but it’s effective.
Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach, FL) – Class Rank: 35
Credit to Newman—they’ve got a handful of bats that can hurt you. Reese Khanna (.608, 5 doubles, 8 triples) is one of the more electric hitters in the region, and she’s surrounded by a capable core in Perrotto, Taleff, and Mahoney, all hitting over .360. If this team gets hot early, they can hang offensively.
But pitching is the issue—big time. Perrotto and Maeve Adams have both logged innings with ERAs north of 5.50, and both have surrendered more home runs (13 combined) than any staff still standing. That’s a tough matchup when you’re staring down Westminster’s top of the order.
The Matchup
Newman can hit enough to make this interesting for a couple of innings. But over seven, Westminster’s balance—especially in the circle—should prevail. Look for Dyer to keep the ball in the park and force soft contact, while Khoury and Armenteros apply steady pressure.
X-Factor: Cardinal Newman’s defense. They’ve been shaky this year. If they boot a couple early, this gets away fast.
Prediction: Westminster 8, Cardinal Newman 3 – Khoury sets the tone, Dyer holds steady, and Westminster moves on.
Quarterfinal 2: (4) Oxbridge Academy vs (5) Palmer Trinity
Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach, FL) – Class Rank: 14
This is a sleeper. Quietly, Oxbridge might be one of the most balanced teams in the bracket. Five hitters are over .400, including freshman Ella Bianco (.433) and sophomore Taylor Priske (.418, 4 HR, 32 RBI). There’s sneaky power in this lineup and real patience at the plate.
But what makes them dangerous is the pitching. Aubrey Vital (1.54 ERA, 81 Ks) and Isabella Penbe (2.64) are both freshmen—but they’ve been reliable and composed. Oxbridge doesn’t need dominant shutouts—they just need to keep teams to 2–3 runs. Their bats usually do the rest.
Palmer Trinity (Miami, FL) – Class Rank: 16
This team’s success is built on a couple standout hitters and a high-risk, high-reward style of play. Kinsey Cerda (.554, 7 XBH, 3 HR) is an elite bat, and Gigi Pineda (.500) has been clutch in key games. They’ve got some speed and situational hitting, but the depth behind those top two gets thin.
Pitching-wise, Emmy Cerda (2.91 ERA, 143 Ks in 81.2 IP) has carried the load. She’s got swing-and-miss stuff and enough composure to keep games close—but she’s also had to pitch through traffic. The control (46 BBs) is a concern.
The Matchup
This one’s sneaky good. If Cerda is on and Palmer’s bats can cash in early, Oxbridge could get uncomfortable. But Vital and Penbe give Oxbridge two looks in the circle, and their deeper lineup should hold up better over seven innings.
X-Factor: Priske. If she gets one in the air early, Palmer will be playing uphill all game.
Prediction: Oxbridge 5, Palmer Trinity 3 – The pitching platoon works, and Bianco/Priske combine for key RBI.
Quarterfinal 3: (3) Florida Christian vs (6) King’s Academy
Florida Christian (Miami, FL) – Class Rank: 10
A dangerous group. They may not have flashy records, but Serena Gillen (.471), Samantha Otano (.389), and Danbee Kim (.361) give them a core that can manufacture offense without needing the long ball. The lineup plays smart—lots of situational hitting, not many strikeouts.
They piece it together on the mound. S. Fernandez (3.77 ERA) has been steady in bulk innings, while Gillen (0.68 ERA in limited innings) is the secret weapon. If they can deploy her in key moments, that changes the equation.
King’s Academy (West Palm Beach, FL) – Class Rank: 18
This team rakes. Gracyn Needle (.677, 14 doubles, 6 HR) is the best hitter in the entire region. And it’s not just her—DiBlasi, Duncan, and Zimmerman all hit north of .385. They scored 213 runs in 19 games, and when they’re hot, it’s a fireworks show.
The only concern is pitching. Caroline Duncan (2.08 ERA, 102 Ks in 87.2 IP) has been strong, but if she runs into trouble, there’s not much relief help.
The Matchup
This is a true coin flip. King’s can out-slug anyone, but Florida Christian can pitch just enough and force hitters into bad at-bats. If Gillen gets a chance to throw 3-4 innings and the bats do their usual thing, they can steal this.
X-Factor: Gracyn Needle. If Florida Christian doesn’t pitch her carefully, she could take over the game.
Prediction: Florida Christian 7, King’s Academy 6 – Gillen delivers on both sides, and FC survives a wild one.
Quarterfinal 4: (2) John Carroll Catholic vs (7) Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
John Carroll (Fort Pierce, FL) – Class Rank: 5
Balanced. Disciplined. Dangerous. John Carroll doesn’t have a single glaring weakness. Isabella Ramirez (.493, 15 doubles), Makayla Ortiz (.425), and V. O’Brien (.405) give them elite contact and situational hitting. They pressure defenses and rarely waste innings.
Then there’s Ortiz in the circle—1.32 ERA, 162 Ks, and a knack for working out of jams. When she’s on, she controls the game. Ramirez can throw as well if needed, giving them two options.
Carrollton School (Miami, FL) – Class Rank: 30
This is a scrappy team with offensive threats—especially Grace Diez (.548), I. Whitby (.483), and Allyson Wolfson (.395). They’re young, but aggressive. M. Althage (2.47 ERA) gives them a solid starter, but she’ll face her biggest test yet here.
The Matchup
Carrollton might keep this competitive early if Althage can pitch to weak contact, but Ortiz is simply more dominant. John Carroll is too clean, too patient, and too efficient to be tripped up here.
X-Factor: Ramirez. Whether she’s hitting doubles or coming in for relief, she’ll impact the game.
Prediction: John Carroll 6, Carrollton 2 – Ortiz cruises, and the bats wear down the Carrollton staff by the fifth.
Region 4 Semifinals Preview
(1) Westminster vs (4) Oxbridge
This could be close. Both teams play clean, both pitch to contact, and both have young arms who’ve shown poise. But Khoury and Armenteros have the edge, and Westminster’s playoff experience gives them the edge.
Prediction: Westminster 4, Oxbridge 2
(2) John Carroll vs (3) Florida Christian
Expect fireworks. Gillen will fight, but John Carroll’s depth—especially Ortiz in the circle—should eventually take control. Christian’s scrappiness keeps it close, but Ortiz is the difference.
Prediction: John Carroll 5, Florida Christian 3
Region 4 Final: (1) Westminster vs (2) John Carroll Catholic
It’s the matchup we expected, and it’s dead even on paper. Westminster has the stronger defense and lineup depth; John Carroll has the better ace and maybe the best table-setters in the tournament. In a game like this, one play—one wild pitch or dropped pop-up—decides it.
But Ortiz is the kind of pitcher who can silence even the hottest lineups. And John Carroll has more than enough offense to scratch runs late.
Prediction: John Carroll Catholic 3, Westminster 2
Ortiz spins a gem, and Ramirez drives in the winner. John Carroll outlasts Region 4 and punches their ticket.
The Final Four
After battling through deep regional fields, four of Florida’s best small-school softball programs arrive in Longwood with one goal: leave with the 2025 Class 2A state championship. The bracket delivered a high-powered Final Four, headlined by top-ranked Montverde Academy, but each team remaining brings the talent, pitching, and postseason pedigree to make a run.
It’s a Final Four built on execution, not flash. With power arms, smart lineups, and pressure-tested rosters, expect three tight, strategic games where one mistake might separate title hopes from heartbreak.
Here’s what to watch as the state tournament hits its final stage:
Semifinal 1: (1) Montverde Academy vs (5) John Carroll Catholic
Montverde enters as the top overall seed and hasn’t blinked all postseason. With Nevaeh Williams (0.97 ERA) in the circle and a relentless lineup led by Luna Taboas, Addison Poe, and Danika Spinogatti, the Eagles thrive on patience and pressure. They don’t just win—they wear teams down.
But John Carroll Catholic won’t back down. Makayla Ortiz (1.32 ERA, 162 Ks) is the kind of pitcher who can keep Montverde’s hitters guessing, and the offense, anchored by Isabella Ramirez and V. O’Brien, knows how to scrap for runs. If John Carroll can keep it tight through five, they have a shot. But they’ll need a clean defensive game and timely execution.
Prediction: Montverde 4, John Carroll 2
Montverde’s lineup is too balanced, and Williams too steady. Expect a close one that leans late toward the Eagles.
Semifinal 2: (2) Calvary Christian vs (3) North Bay Haven
This is the swing game—two very different teams with firepower to spare.
Calvary Christian brings two frontline pitchers in Morgen Talley and Morgan Spinner, and a deep lineup that includes Braylee Rano, Julia Tamulski, and Alexis Camilleri. They’ve handled tight games all tournament and have the versatility to beat you with small ball or extra-base hits.
North Bay Haven, on the other hand, is here to hit. Kaylee Goodpaster (.646, 9 HR) leads a dangerous offense that can score in bunches. Addison Mallon, a freshman, has emerged as a legitimate ace, but she hasn’t seen a lineup quite like Calvary’s yet.
If North Bay’s bats get hot early, things could tilt. But Calvary has been tested—and has more tools to adjust mid-game.
Prediction: Calvary Christian 5, North Bay Haven 3
Too much depth, too many weapons. North Bay battles, but Calvary grinds it out late.
Championship Prediction: Montverde Academy vs Calvary Christian
Two top-tier programs. Two elite pitching staffs. Two lineups that don’t give anything away.
Calvary will bring every bit of fight they’ve got—Talley and Spinner give them a real shot in a one-game final. But Montverde’s offense is deeper top-to-bottom, and their ability to adjust second and third time through the order gives them the edge.
If Williams keeps the ball down and Montverde avoids the early-inning hiccup, they’ll be in position to close late. Expect a low-scoring, high-tension final—and for Montverde’s balance to win out in the end.
Prediction: Montverde 4, Calvary Christian 2
The Eagles finish the job and claim the 2025 FHSAA 2A State Championship.
