When the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) launched its softball state tournaments in early May, the western communities were represented by four teams: Berean Christian School in Class 1A, the King’s Academy in Class 2A, and by Wellington High School and Palm Beach Central High School in Class 7A. The only team that’s still playing softball this season is Wellington.
On Wednesday, May 7, the Berean Bulldogs traveled south to play the Schoolhouse Prep Wolfpack in a regional quarterfinal game. Berean lost 15-0 and finished the season with an 8-11 record.
Also, on May 7, TKA lost its first-round regional quarterfinal game when the Florida Christian School Patriots outscored the Lions, 4-1.TKA concluded its season with a 15-7 record.
In Class 7A action, Palm Beach Central lost to the Eagles from Port St. Lucie’s Centennial High School on Thursday, May 8 in a regional quarterfinal, 2-1. Palm Beach Central’s final record was 13-7.
In the other Class 7A regional quarterfinal clash, Wellington blanked Vero Beach High School, 13-0. In that game, Wellington scored 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Senior pitcher Tori Payne went the distance for the victory.
On Tuesday, May 13, Wellington hosted Centennial in the regional semifinals. Wellington, which is the top seed in its region, closed out Centennial, 5-0. In that victory, pitching ace Payne scattered four hits, had 10 strikeouts and issued just one walk in seven innings for Wellington (20-4). Junior centerfielder Gabby D’Arcangelo was 2-for-3 with one run batted in.
That win propelled Wellington to the regional final on Thursday, May 15 against rival Jupiter High School. It was the third time that both teams had played one another. Wellington won the first two meetings, most recently on Friday, April 30 in the district tournament final, 5-3. The final result of the May 15 game was not available at press time.
The winner of the Wellington-Jupiter game advances to the Class 7A state finals, which will be held on Friday, May 23 (state semifinals) and Saturday, May 24 (state championship). They will be held at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.
Two years ago, the Wolverines earned their way to the state finals while, last year, Wellington lost to Jupiter in the regional final.
To date, Wellington’s top statistical leaders this season are Payne who leads the team in home runs (four), batting average (.424), on-base percentage (.534) and slugging percentage (.763). Fellow senior Kaylee Riles leads in stolen bases (eight), runs scored (23) and fielding percentage (1.000). Junior Angelina Baronci leads Wellington in doubles (six), runs batted in (20) and hits (28).
