Wildcats prep for first state tourney in 14 years

At this season’s state softball tournament, several Palm Beach and Broward powerhouses vying for titles will be joined by a team that hasn’t been there in quite a while.

The Western Wildcats roll into their first state appearance in 14 years along with a slew of teams Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach finds a bit more familiar — St. Thomas Aquinas, American Heritage, Coral Springs Charter and Grandview Prep.

“The players are over the top with excitement,” Western coach Jeffrey Poole said. “They’re looking forward to having a chance to win the state title, and everyone at the school is very excited.”

Western (23-6) has made the climb from an absence in regionals two years ago, to a district title and regional semifinal appearance last season to edging past a tough Jupiter team in a regional final on Friday to reach state.

The Wildcats’ reward? West Orange Winter Garden (25-1), ranked 11th in the nation by MaxPreps, in a Class 9A semifinal at 6:35 p.m. on Friday.

They will rely on dominant right-hander Sydney Bates (20-3, 0.25 ERA), an FSU commit, and an opportune lineup that has had different players come through with timely hits.

In Class 8A, St. Thomas is vying for its third championship in four years after falling in semifinals last season following back-toback state titles in 2013 and 2014.

The Raiders (22-4) will look to their senior leadership as they get started against Clearwater Countryside at 5:20 p.m. on Friday. Pitcher Brooke Stock (17-4), second baseman Thais Gonzalez (.468, 20 RBI, 23 runs) and center fielder Brianna Stella, who hits leadoff and coach Bryan Baucom calls the sparkplug and catalyst of the offense, can provide that.

American Heritage (24-2) has some unfinished business to take care of after falling in the championship game last season following a title the year before.

Senior Madison Canby (17-1, 0.21 ERA) leads the way on the mound as the Patriots start off their fifth consecutive trip to state with Land O’Lakes in a Class 6A clash at 12:20 p.m. Friday.

“Our team is very aware of what it’s all about,” coach Marty Cooper said. “I don’t think we’ll be overwhelmed over the moment as far as being nervous or anything.”

Hannah Sipos (.481, 27 RBI), Jordyn Griffith (.452, 31 RBI), Maya Rodriguez (.378, 27 RBI) and Melissa Rini (.361) will ignite the offense.

Coral Springs Charter’s unbeaten squad last season stands as the school’s lone championship-winning team. Now coach Mark Montimurro and his girls will try to become the first back-to-back champs.

The Panthers (23-3) are coming off a convincing 11-1 win over state power Miami Gulliver in regional finals and get Bushnell South Sumter in a Class 5A semifinal at 10 a.m. on Friday.

Reigning Broward small schools Player of the Year Allison Muraskin (21-3), will highlight their effort on the mound and with the bat in her hands. Hitting third, she enjoys the protection behind her of battery mate and sophomore Gianna Boccagno.

Another team looking to flip last year’s heartbreak from a championship game defeat is the one that’s first up in Class 2A on Wednesday, Grandview Prep (14-3).

Led by defending Palm Beach small schools Player of the Year Summer Burgess and senior pitcher Caitlin Rolston, Grandview first faces Mount Dora Christian and could get a rematch against Aucilla Christian in Thursday’s title game.