The PGF 99% Showcase in Leesburg, FL, promises to be a thrilling weekend of softball action, with teams across all pools bringing a mix of proven records, raw talent, and untested potential. The format, true to its showcase nature, guarantees no brackets—just pure competition as teams battle it out for bragging rights and a chance to leave their mark early in the fall season.
In Pool A, all eyes will be on Florida Gold Torres 18U, a team whose 1-3 record belies its depth of experience, including a DI pitcher who can shut down even the hottest bats. That said, CFL Pride-Kerr rolls in on a 10-game win streak and a formidable 13-1 record, making them the favorites on paper. Keep an eye on Impact Gold Florida Premier and Team SnakeBite, who are still shaking off the early fall rust, while Florida Storm – Bachelor looks to make some noise in its season debut.
Over in Pool B, it’s a true toss-up. Atlanta Premier-Vance and Windermere Wildfire – Kaylor bring good hitting to the table, with the Wildfire boasting a 5-1-1 record. CFL Pride-Roman, with 20 games under their belt, will rely on experience, while Santa Fe Inferno Young 16U is the wildcard, stepping into their first fall competition. Lady Dukes-CCD have work to do, but they aren’t a team to sleep on.
The competition heats up in Pool C, where NLS Black, with a sharp 6-1 record, looks like the team to beat. Still, teams like Team North Florida and Santa Fe Inferno Becker won’t make it easy, as both have shown flashes of brilliance. CF Swat 18U will need consistency at the plate, while Team Mustangs Langston is a bit of an unknown, though their tradition suggests they’ll be a tough out.
Pool D may be the most balanced of all, with Clearwater Bullets Shultheis, a 14U squad, out to prove they can compete with older teams. Their 7-0 record and stellar run differential make them a dangerous foe. Bombers Gold 16U FL – Collaro also enter the fray with expectations after a strong summer. Texas Glory Venice 18U Gold will be eager to shake off their recent three-game skid, while SFL INTENSITY KOD/PASCUAL brings experience, even if their early season results haven’t been kind.
In Pool E, expect Atlanta Vipers 07-Maldonado to come out strong after a 34-11-4 summer, but Clearwater Bullets Vigue and Florida Storm National-Masso could spoil their plans with their depth and strong pitching. Gold Coast Hurricanes Hammonds 18U and ROCK GOLD CWM 16U may be wildcards, but their untested rosters leave plenty of room for surprises.
Pool F might just be the Batbusters’ to lose, as Batbusters Roberts/Layton come in hot with a 7-2-1 record, riding a run-scoring wave. Bombers Gold 16U FL – Banister will be eager to make their fall debut count, while Clearwater Lady Bombers 09 Platt and Exclusives Academy Select will need to tighten up defensively if they want to keep pace.
Pool G brings a mix of unknowns and intrigue. Central Florida Ladyhawks will aim to start strong, but Florida Gold Gomez and Florida Impact-Henderson need to find their footing after slow starts. Rock Gold Pierce and Unity 16U Devin have shown potential early, but it’s anyone’s game in this balanced pool.
Pool H could see Clearwater Lady Bombers Ries/Walford 18U and EC Bullets Jackson/Allie 18U rise to the top, with both teams poised to make deep runs. However, Windermere Wildfire O’Brien 16U always seems to find themselves in the thick of things, making this pool one to watch.
Finally, in Pool I, the Unity Luke/BK2 squad may have the edge based on their previous reputation, but Tampa Mustangs RT and Tampa Mustangs-Klein 09 are both capable of upsetting the balance with their early season form.
With so much talent spread across each pool, the PGF 99% Showcase promises to be a weekend of non-stop action where anything can happen. Teams will test their mettle, but one thing is certain: no one’s safe, and everyone’s got something to prove. Expect surprises, standout performances, and some new faces making a name for themselves under the Florida sun.
