With 2A starting Tuesday, May 21 at 11 AM (see that preview) we move on to the afternoon semi-finals in 3A. This division is deep and loaded with talent, not 6A deep, but deep. Let’s get right into it.

Game 1: No. 1 Montverde Academy vs. No. 4 Somerset Academy (Silver Palms)

Montverde Academy:

Key Players: Luna Taboas (.583 batting average), Nevaeh Williams (0.82 ERA, 141 strikeouts), LaBreah Sands (0.38 ERA, 99 strikeouts).
Path to the Final Four: Montverde Academy advanced by defeating Santa Fe 3-0 in the region final. Colby Reish had a strong performance, going 2-3 with a double and an RBI. Nevaeh Williams was instrumental in securing the win with 7 strikeouts.

Somerset Academy (Silver Palms):

Key Players: Ava Stevens (.511 batting average), Arlene Sordo (4 home runs), Leilani Gonzalez (4 home runs), Ava Stevens (2.37 ERA, 114 strikeouts).
Path to the Final Four: Somerset Academy earned their spot by defeating Coral Springs Charter 4-2. Brigitte Valdera played a pivotal role with a 3-run home run, and Ava Stevens secured the win with a solid pitching performance.

Matchup Analysis: This semifinal matchup features Montverde Academy’s impressive pitching depth and strong offensive play against Somerset Academy’s balanced lineup and capable pitching. Montverde’s Luna Taboas is a standout at the plate, while pitchers Nevaeh Williams and LaBreah Sands form a formidable duo in the circle, making scoring challenging for opponents.

Somerset Academy’s offensive strength lies in Ava Stevens, Arlene Sordo, and Leilani Gonzalez, all of whom have demonstrated power and consistency. Stevens is also crucial in the circle, providing stability with her solid ERA and strikeout ability.

Prediction: Montverde Academy’s combination of dominant pitching and consistent hitting makes them the favorites in this matchup. The dual threat of Williams and Sands in the circle is particularly daunting for any opponent. However, Somerset Academy has shown resilience and the ability to come up with key plays in critical moments, as evidenced by Valdera’s clutch home run in the regional final.

Somerset Academy will need strong performances from its key hitters and a standout game from Ava Stevens both at the plate and in the circle to pull off the upset. Montverde, on the other hand, will look to leverage its pitching depth and maintain steady offensive pressure.

This game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams display the talent and determination characteristic of championship contenders. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle as these two formidable teams clash for a spot in the state championship game.

The 3A Florida Final Four Softball Championship continues with another exciting semifinal clash, featuring the second-seeded Baldwin against the third-seeded Calvary Christian. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the game:

Game 2: No. 2 Baldwin vs. No. 3 Calvary Christian

Baldwin:

Key Players: Amiyah Jones (.470 batting average), Cali Hartung (10 home runs, 46 RBIs), Jazmine Ramos-Merced (9 home runs, 37 RBIs), Shaylen Bryd (1.21 ERA, 214 strikeouts).
Path to the Final Four: Baldwin advanced by defeating Episcopal School of Jacksonville (ESJ) 4-2. Jazmine Ramos-Merced was pivotal, going 2-3 with a home run and 2 RBIs. Shaylen Bryd was dominant in the circle, securing the win with 9 strikeouts.

Calvary Christian:

Key Players: Payton Cushman (.522 batting average), Morgan Talley (5 home runs), Alexis Camilleri (4 home runs), Morgan Talley (0.43 ERA, 158 strikeouts).
Path to the Final Four: Calvary Christian secured their spot by defeating Academy of Holy Names 5-0 in the Region Final. Talley was instrumental, going 2-4 with a home run and 3 RBIs, while Julia Tamulski contributed by going 2-4 with 2 RBIs. Talley also recorded the shutout in the circle, striking out 3.

Matchup Analysis: This semifinal matchup showcases Baldwin’s powerful lineup and strong pitching against Calvary Christian’s balanced attack and stellar pitching. Baldwin’s offense is spearheaded by Amiyah Jones, Cali Hartung, and Jazmine Ramos-Merced, who provide a combination of high averages and home run power. Shaylen Bryd has been a force in the circle, consistently racking up strikeouts and maintaining a low ERA.

Calvary Christian counters with Payton Cushman’s impressive batting average and the power-hitting of Morgan Talley and Alexis Camilleri. Talley is a dual threat, excelling both at the plate and in the circle. Her 0.43 ERA and 158 strikeouts highlight her dominance and make her a key player for Calvary Christian’s chances.

Prediction: This game is set to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams featuring standout performers. Baldwin’s potent offense and Bryd’s pitching prowess give them a strong chance, but they will need to be at their best to overcome Calvary Christian’s balanced team and Talley’s formidable presence.

For Baldwin, the key will be getting to Talley early and providing run support for Bryd. Baldwin has a solid path to victory if Bryd can maintain her form in the circle and the offense can deliver timely hits. Calvary Christian, on the other hand, will rely on Talley’s ability to control the game from the circle and get key contributions from their hitters.

Expect a thrilling game with plenty of action, as both teams leave it all on the field in their quest for a spot in the championship game. The winner of this semifinal will have earned their place in the final, showcasing the high level of competition in the 3A Florida Final Four.