In a great weekend of softball action at the 2024 Florida PGF Summer State Championship in Newberry, teams across all divisions showcased exceptional talent and determination. From the Coral Springs Panthers 12U-Courtney’s gritty 3-1 victory to the Clearwater Bullets 14U Schultheis’s thrilling 5-4 win and the Clearwater Bullets Vigue’s remarkable turnaround in the 16U division, each game was a testament to the players’ resilience and skill. Capping off the tournament, the Windemere Wildfire-Paulson dominated the 18U division with a flawless 7-0 record, underscoring a weekend filled with unforgettable moments and championship-caliber performances.
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12U Recap
In a sizzling showdown at the 2024 Florida PGF Summer State Championship in Newberry, the Coral Springs Panthers 12U-Courtney emerged as the queens of the diamond, defeating the Santa Fe Inferno Hooper 12U by a score of 3-1. The game showcased these young athletes’ grit, determination, and raw talent, leaving the spectators on the edge of their seats until the final out.
The star of the game, Olivia W, pitched a masterclass, going the full six innings and giving up only one earned run while fanning three batters. Her teammates’ prowess at the plate matched her poise in the circle. Alyson V. was a perfect 3-for-3, while Emily S. added to the offensive barrage with a 2-for-2 performance. Lyralynn C., drove in two crucial runs, cementing the Panthers’ path to victory.
On the other side of the field, the Inferno’s Peyton B. put on a hitting clinic of her own, matching Alyson’s perfect day by going 3-for-3. Despite her hot bat, the Inferno couldn’t quite muster the run support needed to overcome Olivia’s pitching and the Panthers’ timely hitting.
The championship game was a fitting finale to a tournament filled with thrilling moments and standout performances.
14U Recap
The Clearwater Bullets 14U Schultheis team clinched the title with a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the Miami Stingrays ’09. Fans gripped their seats and bit their nails as the two evenly matched teams battled down to the wire.
The Bullets’ Taylor Tucker was nothing short of phenomenal, both in the circle and at the plate. She went a perfect 3-for-3, driving in a run and earning the win in the circle. Lexi Medina complemented Tucker’s by going 2-for-2 and knocking in three RBIs, proving to be the difference-maker in this one.
The Stingrays didn’t go down without a fight. Danbee Kim was a standout, going 2-for-3 and adding an RBI to keep her team within striking distance. Their semifinal victory was a testament to their resilience, as they edged out the Fleming Island Storm in a thrilling 7-6 contest, while the Bullets showcased their dominance with a 3-0 shutout over a strong Santa Fe Inferno Humphrey squad.
As the dust settled and the cheers echoed across the field, the Clearwater Bullets 14U Schultheis stood tall.
16U Recap
In a turnaround at the 2024 Florida PGF Summer State Championship in Newberry, the Clearwater Bullets Vigue claimed the 16U crown by avenging an earlier 9-2 defeat with a decisive 7-2 victory over the Santa Fe Inferno 09. This triumph showcased the Bullets’ resilience and tenacity, which demonstrated that past results are no predictor of future outcomes.
Claire Caoili spearheaded the Bullets’ offense, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while seven other Bullets players contributed hits in a true team effort. Morgan Spinner was a force in the circle, pitching a complete game and allowing only four hits while striking out three. Her composure under pressure was a cornerstone of the Bullets’ championship run.
The Inferno’s Rylie Morris matched Caoili’s performance with a 2-for-3 showing at the plate. However, the Inferno couldn’t replicate their earlier success against a determined Bullets squad.
The Bullets’ path to the title was marked by high drama, particularly in their semifinal clash with Unity Luke, which they edged out 4-3 in a thriller. Their overall record of 5-2 is a testament to the run they made. On the other side, the Inferno went 6-1 and had to navigate a tense extra-inning semifinal, emerging victorious 5-4 over Team Tampa 09.
As the final out was recorded, the Clearwater Bullets Vigue celebrated their well-earned championship.
18U Recap
In a blazing display of dominance, the Windemere Wildfire-Paulson stormed their way to the 18U title at the 2024 Florida PGF Summer State Championship in Newberry, finishing the weekend with an impeccable 7-0 record. The championship game saw the Wildfire toppling Florida Gold Lopez/Santana 5-2, capping off a tournament where they outscored their opponents by a staggering 47-12 margin.
Stetson commit Irianis Garcia was the spark in the championship, going 2-for-2 and driving in two runs. The Wildfire showcased their depth by employing a trio of pitchers, with USF commit Anne Long securing the win in the circle. Their semifinal victory was no less impressive, as they dispatched the FL Firecrackers Yeary 7-2.
Florida Gold, who also had a stellar tournament with a 6-1 record, earned their spot in the final by defeating Santa Fe Inferno Nowling 6-2. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t match the firepower and depth of the Wildfire in the championship game.
The Windemere Wildfire’s perfect run through the tournament was a masterclass in team performance, blending strong pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense.
