KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Central Florida States tournament brought the heat both on and off the field this past weekend. With the sun shining down on Seminole County, Kissimmee, Clermont, and Apopka, youth softball teams from across the region battled it out for the title of champion in their respective divisions. The tournament showcased the best of Florida’s rising softball talent, from thrilling victories to standout individual performances. Here’s a recap of the action:
10U Open Division: Tampa Mustangs Pontbriant 2013 vs. SWFL Elite 2013
In the 10U Open division, the Tampa Mustangs Pontbriant 2013 proved that they had more than just horsepower—they had heart and hustle too. The Mustangs galloped to a 4-1 victory over the SWFL Elite 2013, thanks to key contributions from their dynamic duo in the circle, Jada Gunter and Emma Jackson.
Kynlee Wood led the charge by going 2-2 and scoring a run, while Zoey Winters and Bella McTeer brought the thunder with clutch RBIs. Winters went 1-2 with 2 RBIs, and McTeer chipped in with a 1-2 performance and an RBI. For the SWFL Elite, Ashlynn Pitts’ 1-2 effort and Chloe Heath’s RBI weren’t enough to turn the tide.
12U A Division: Weston Explosion 2011 vs. Atlanta Vipers 2011-Murphy
The 12U A division saw the Weston Explosion 2011 live up to their explosive name, detonating a 6-1 win over the Atlanta Vipers 2011-Murphy. Allyssa Vincze was an unstoppable force, going 2-2 with 3 RBIs, while Teigen Suro and Jocelyn Acosta were the sparks, each going 1-1 and scoring twice.
Emma Ruiz was a rock in the circle, pitching three innings of scoreless ball, allowing just four hits, and striking out four without giving up a single walk. The Vipers’ Avery Murphy fought valiantly, going 2-2, but even her stellar performance couldn’t stem the explosive tide.
14U A Division: Clearwater Bullets 2010 Schultheis vs. Florida Thunderbolts FE 14u
In the 14U A division, the Clearwater Bullets 2010 Schultheis fired off a 4-1 victory over the Florida Thunderbolts FE 14u. Kabella Corning was a double threat, going 2-2 and scoring twice, while Taylor Tucker not only contributed 3 RBIs but also dominated in the circle. Tucker pitched five innings, striking out two and giving up no earned runs.
The Thunderbolts’ Addison Mallon tried to strike back with a 2-3 performance and an RBI, but the Bullets’ sharp shooting kept the Thunderbolts grounded. Shasta Butler added a run and went 1-2, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Clearwater’s solid defense and timely hitting.
18U Open Division: Florida Storm National Masso vs. Unity Pryor
The 18U Open division concluded with a storm—Florida Storm National Masso, to be precise—rolling over Unity Pryor in a decisive 9-2 victory. Avery Dunn led the charge with a 1-1 outing, driving in three runs. Addison Futch was equally impactful, going 1-2 with 2 RBIs and scoring once.
The Storm’s pitching was a combined effort, with Alexis Miranda and C Blanco tag-teaming the circle. Blanco was particularly impressive, throwing 3.1 innings of one-hit ball, striking out three and walking none. Unity’s Miranda Harmon went 1-1 and scored twice, but her efforts were swept away by the relentless Storm.
Closing Thoughts
The Central Florida State tournament was a whirlwind of excitement, skill, and sportsmanship. Each division showcased the future stars of softball, with performances that will be remembered and talked about until next year’s tournament. Whether it was the Mustangs’ determination, the Explosion’s firepower, the Bullets’ precision, or the Storm’s dominance, one thing is certain: Central Florida is home to some incredible young talent. As the sun sets on another fantastic tournament, teams and fans alike can look forward to more exciting softball action in the years to come.
