Here’s a look at how all the regionally ranked softball teams fared through the FHSAA regional and state tournament playoffs. The final regional rankings of the season will be released on Wednesday, May 11.
The Prep Zone Power Poll ranks the top 20 high school football, basketball, baseball & softball teams (regardless of FHSAA classification) across 26 counties in North Florida (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Madison, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, Sumter, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union & Volusia counties). It is voted on weekly by sportswriters and sportscasters. It is powered by Anytime Fitness of Gainesville.
PREP ZONE POWER POLL – 2016 SOFTBALL POLL #9
(School, followed by classification, first-place votes, final record through 5/7, and how they fared through the FHSAA regional and state tournament playoffs)
1. Oakleaf (Orange Park) (8A) (6) (25-3) – went 2-1 in 8A playoffs – LOST at eventual 8A state semifinalist Strawberry Crest (Dover) 6-4 in Region 1-8A final (4/29), d. RV Atlantic Coast (Jacksonville) 4-1 in Region 1-8A semifinal (4/26), d. Lincoln (Tallahassee) 14-0 in Region 1-8A quarterfinal (4/20) – Knights were 6A state semifinalist in 2015, and ranked first by Max Preps at one point this season and were heavy favorite to advance back to Vero Beach in 8A state tournament. But Oakleaf dropped regional final at Strawberry Crest, who advanced to the first state semifinal in any sport in school history.
2. Gainesville (7A) (1) (28-2) – CLASS 7A STATE CHAMPION – went 5-0 in 7A playoffs – d. Lake Region (Eagle Lake) 1-0 in 7A state championship game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Sat.), d. Braden River (Bradenton) 4-0 in 7A state semifinal at Vero Beach (Fri.), won at Niceville 2-0 in Region 1-7A final (4/29) d. Columbia (Lake City) 2-1 in Region 1-7A semifinal (4/26), d. RV Creekside (St. Johns 3-0 in Region 1-7A quarterfinal (4/2) – Purple Hurricanes rode the left arm of University of Florida signee senior Katie Chronister all the way to state title, which is first softball state championship for an Alachua County school. Motto was “Unfinished business” for Gainesville, after they finished 24-1 in the regular season in 2015 but were eliminated in district semifinals by eventual 6A state semifinalist Oakleaf. Chronister threw four shutouts and allowed only one run in five regional and state playoff games, and capped it off with a three-hitter with 10 strikeouts and scoring only run against Lake Region in state championship game.
3. South Sumter (Bushnell) (5A) (23-3) – CLASS 5A STATE SEMIFINALIST – went 3-1 in 5A playoffs – LOST to eventual 5A state champion Coral Springs Charter 6-0 in 5A state semifinal at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Fri.), d. #10 Nature Coast (Brooksville) 3-1 in Region 3-5A final (4/29), d. #18 Eustis 6-0 in Region 3-5A semifinal (4/26), d. Keystone Heights 3-2 in Region 3-5A quarterfinal (4/20) – Raiders had to work through ranked teams Eustis and Nature Coast but allowed only one run combined to win both games at home and advance to first state semifinal. South Sumter was no-hit by defending 4A state champion and this year’s 5A winner Coral Springs Charter in Vero Beach.
4. Deltona (7A) (23-4) – went 1-1 in 7A playoffs – LOST to Viera 7-2 in Region 3-7A semifinal (4/26), d. Harmony 5-1 in Region 3-7A quarterfinal (4/20) – Wolves defeated New Smyrna Beach to win District 5-7A title and slipped past Harmony, but were knocked off at home by Viera in regional semifinal round. Viera lost in regional final to eventual 7A champion/runner-up Lake Region (Eagle Lake).
5. Springstead (Spring Hill) (6A) (27-2) – went 2-1 in 6A playoffs – LOST to eventual 6A state semifinalist Land O’Lakes 1-0 in Region 3-6A final (4/29), d. Crystal River 3-1 (8 innings) in Region 3-6A semifinal (4/26), d. North Marion (Citra) 6-0 in Region 3-6A quarterfinal (4/20) – The Eagles rolled through the regular season and defeated moved up to as high as #3 in the Miracle Sports state softball rankings. After beating Crystal River to win District 6-6A and then defeated North Marion and Crystal River in regional semifinal before dropping tough one run game to Land O’Lakes.
6. Chiefland (1A) (28-1) – CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPION – went 4-0 in 1A playoffs – d. Wewahitchka 12-6 in 1A state championship game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. Franklin County (Eastpoint) 12-6 (13 innings) in 1A state semifinal at Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. Trenton 6-5 in Region 4-1A final (4/26), d. Frostproof 6-0 in Region 4-1A semifinal (4/21) – Indians became first team since Eagle’s View (Jacksonville) from 2008-10 to win three consecutive FHSAA state softball titles. But Chiefland definitely had to work for it, rallying from early 4-0 deficit against rival Trenton to win with a walkoff two-run single in the bottom of the 7th, and they being extended to 13 innings by Franklin County in the state semifinals before putting that game away with a six-run inning. In state championship game, Chiefland trailed 1-0 going to fourth inning but sent 16 batters to the plate and scored all 12 of their runs to clinch another state title.
7. Clay (Green Cove Springs) (6A) (22-5) – went 1-1 in 6A playoffs – LOST to #11 Ponte Vedra 2-0 in Region 1-6A semifinal (4/26), d. Ed White (Jacksonville) 14-4 in Region 1-6A quarterfinal (4/20) – Blue Devils captured District 4-6A title with win over Ponte Vedra, and then easily defeated Ed White in first round game before being shutout in rematch with Sharks in regional semifinal.
8. Baker County (Glen St. Mary) (5A) (22-7) – CLASS 5A STATE SEMIFINALIST – went 3-1 in 5A playoffs – LOST to eventual 5A state runner-up Bayshore (Bradenton) 5-1 in 5A state semifinal game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Fri.), won at Walton (DeFuniak Springs) 4-0 in Region 1-5A final (4/29), d. #12 Suwannee (Live Oak) 4-2 in Region 1-5A semifinal (4/26), d. Yulee 17-12 in Region 1-5A quarterfinal (4/20) – Wildcats struggled at times through the regular season as they defended their 2015 5A state title, but were able to win in the Panhandle against Walton in the region final and slip past Suwannee and Yulee to advance back to Vero Beach. Baker County fell behind early and could never get their offense going against Bayshore, who lost to Coral Springs Charter in 5A championship game.
9. Spruce Creek (Port Orange) (9A) (20-6) – went 2-1 in 9A playoffs – LOST to eventual 9A state champion West Orange (Winter Garden) 2-0 in Region 1-9A final (4/29), won at #13 Mandarin (Jacksonville) 3-2 in Region 1-9A semifinal (4/26), d. Flagler Palm Coast 7-0 in Region 1-9A quarterfinal (4/20) – Hawks captured District 2-9A title and knocked off Flagler Palm Coast and won thriller in 2nd round at Mandarin to advance to regional final. Spruce Creek was shut out by West Orange, who allowed only two runs in 5 playoff games en route to 9A state title.
10. Nature Coast (Brooksville) (5A) (25-5) – went 2-1 in 5A playoffs – LOST at eventual 5A state semifinalist #3 South Sumter (Bushnell) 3-1 in Region 3-5A final (4/29), d. Bishop Moore (Orlando) 4-0 in Region 3-5A semifinal (4/26), d. Lake Highland Prep (Orlando) 3-2 (8 innings) in Region 3-5A quarterfinal (4/20) – Sharks won District 7-5A championship with win over Gulf (New Port Richey) and then slipped past Orlando schools Lake Highland Prep and Bishop Moore to advance to regional final at South Sumter. Nature Coast was shut out as South Sumter advanced to first state semifinal, where they were knocked off by eventual 5A state champions Coral Springs Charter.
11. Ponte Vedra (6A) (20-8) – went 2-1 in 6A playoffs – LOST at eventual 6A state runner-up Arnold (Panama City Beach) 6-5 (12 innings) in Region 1-6A final (4/29), won at #7 Clay (Green Cove Springs) 2-0 in Region 1-6A semifinal (4/26), won at Paxon (Jacksonville) 4-3 in Region 1-6A quarterfinal (4/20) – Sharks had so-so regular season, and were knocked off in District 4-6A championship game by Clay. But Ponte Vedra won close road games at Paxon and Clay and were oh-so-close to another state tournament appearance before losing regional final on the road in Panhandle to a walk-off 12th inning homer.
12. Suwannee (Live Oak) (5A) (19-7) – went 1-1 in 5A playoffs – LOST at eventual 5A state semifinalist #8 Baker County (Glen St. Mary) 4-2 in Region 1-5A semifinal (4/29), won at Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) 6-2 in Region 1-5A quarterfinal (4/20) – Bulldogs dropped District 3-5A championship game to defending state champion Baker County, but went on road to Jacksonville and knocked off Bishop Kenny in regional quarterfinals. Suwannee’s season ended with another close loss at Baker County, who advanced back to the 5A state semifinals in Vero Beach.
13. Mandarin (Jacksonville) (9A) (22-5) – went 1-1 in 9A playoffs – LOST to #9 Spruce Creek (Port Orange) 3-0 in Region 1-9A semifinal (4/26), d. Lyman (Longwood) 3-2 in Region 1-9A quarterfinal (4/2) – Mustangs captured District 1-9A title with win over Flagler Palm Coast, and edged Lyman in close first round game before being blanked in regional semifinal by Spruce Creek. Spruce Creek lost in Region 1 final to eventual 9A state champion West Orange.
14. Forest (Ocala) (8A) (17-11) – went 1-1 in 8A playoffs – LOST to eventual 8A state semifinalist Strawberry Crest (Dover) 1-0 (8 innings) in Region 1-8A semifinal (4/26), d. Wharton (Tampa) 4-3 in Region 1-8A quarterfinal (4/20) – Wildcats struggled through defense of their 2015 6A state title, playing half of the season without top pitcher Morgan White in the circle. Forest also had tough competition in 8A, but did win another district title with win over East Ridge (Clermont) in District 3-8A championship game. After close win over Wharton in opening round, Wildcats were shut out at home in extra innings by Strawberry Crest, who advanced to first state semifinal in school history after knocking off Oakleaf in Region 1 final.
15. Aucilla Christian (Monticello) (2A) (21-5) – CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPION – went 4-0 in 2A playoffs – d. Grandview Prep (Boca Raton) 13-0 (5 innings) in 2A state championship game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. Canterbury (St. Petersburg) 9-1 in 2A state semifinal in Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. Countryside Christian (Gainesville) 10-0 (5 innings) in Region 1-2A final (4/26), d. Peniel Baptist (Palatka) 13-0 (5 innings) in Region 1-2A semifinal (4/21) – Warriors rolled to back-to-back state titles in 2A, outscoring their four playoff opponents by a combined 45-1, allowing only Canterbury to score in state semifinal game. Three of the four games were 5 innings games, including blasting Grandview Prep for the second year in a row in the state title game by run rule.
16. Lafayette (Mayo) (1A) (20-9) – went 1-1 – LOST to eventual 1A state semifinalist #17 Union County (Lake Butler) 7-4 in Region 2-1A final (4/26), d. Fort White 3-0 in Region 2-1A semifinal (4/21) – Hornets won another district title by defeating Madison County in District 5-1A championship game. Lafayette shut out Fort White but could not rally at home in regional final against Union County, who lost extra inning game in state semifinal against Wewahitchka in Vero Beach.
17. Union County (Lake Butler) (1A) (20-4) – CLASS 1A STATE SEMIFINALIST – went 2-1 in 1A playoffs – LOST to eventual 1A state runner-up Wewahitchka 3-2 (8 innings) in 1A state semifinal game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Thurs.), won at #16 Lafayette (Mayo) 7-4 in Region 2-1A final (4/26), d. Madison County 8-7 in Region 2-1A semifinal (4/21) – Tigers handed Fort White first two losses of season in regular season finale and then a week later District 6-1A championship. Union County rallied from early 4 run deficit and walked off in two runs in bottom of 7th in first round game against Madison County, then used five run 5th to win on the road at Lafayette and advance to second state semifinal in school history, the other in 2012. Union County battled Wewahitchka until the bottom of the 8th in Vero Beach before being eliminated on a walkoff double.
18. Eustis (5A) (18-6) – went 1-1 in 5A playoffs – LOST at eventual 5A state semifinalist #3 South Sumter (Bushnell) 6-0 in Region 3-5A semifinal (4/26), won at Santa Fe (Alachua) 5-0 in Region 3-5A quarterfinal (4/20) – Panthers dropped District 6-5A title game to South Sumter. This put Eustis on the road where they knocked off Santa Fe before again losing to South Sumter, who advanced to first state semifinal appearance in program history.
19. Belleview (6A) (19-6) – NO REGIONAL PLAYOFFS (lost in district semifinals).
20. University Christian (Jacksonville) (3A) (18-10) – CLASS 3A STATE RUNNER-UP – went 3-1 in 3A playoffs – LOST to Lakeland Christian 9-1 (9 innings) in 3A state championship game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg) 4-2 in 3A state semfinal game in Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) 6-3 in Region 1-3A final (4/26), won at Rocky Bayou Christian (Niceville) 3-2 (8 innings) in Region 1-3A semifinal (4/21) – Christians lost District 2-3A championship game to Oak Hall (Gainesville), sending them on road to undefeated and state top-ranked Rocky Bayou Christian in regional semifinal. University Christian pulled off the upset in extra innings, then knocked off North Florida Christian to advance to Vero Beach for the second year in a row. UC slipped past Admiral Farragut in state semifinals and played defending 3A state champion Lakeland Christian to a 1-1 tie for eight innings, before giving up 8 runs in the 9th. Lakeland Christian eliminated the Christians for the second straight year, as they beat University Christian in the 3A state semifinals in 2015.
Also receiving votes:
Montverde Academy (4A) (21-7) – CLASS 4A STATE RUNNER-UP – went 3-1 in 4A playoffs – LOST to Bishop Verot (Fort Myers) 7-5 in 4A state championship game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. Westminster Christian (Miami) 3-1 in 4A state semifinal game in Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. Holy Names (Tampa) 14-12 in Region 3-4A final (4/26), d. Tampa Catholic 11-1 in Region 3-4A semifinal (4/21) – The Lady Eagles advanced to second state tournament with wild 14-12 win over Holy Names in region final. In Vero Beach, Montverde slipped past perennial power Westminster Christian in state semifinal and were tied with Bishop Verot in state championship game until Vikings scored two runs in bottom of 6th to win 7-5. This was Monverde’s first championship game appearance in softball.
Atlantic Coast (Jacksonville) (8A) (17-10) – went 1-1 – LOST to #1 Oakleaf (Orange Park) 4-1 in Region 1-8A semifinal (4/26), won at Chiles (Tallahassee) 7-5 in Region 1-8A quarterfinal (4/20) – Stingrays lost District 2-8A title game to Oakleaf, sending them to Tallahassee. Atlantic Coast knocked off Chiles but were once again beaten by Oakleaf in regional semifinals.
Creekside (St. Johns) (7A) (13-8) – went 0-1 in 7A playoffs – LOST to eventual 7A state champion #2 Gainesville 3-0 in Region 1-7A quarterfinal (4/20) – Knights were upset in District 4-7A title game by rival Bartram Trail, sending Creekside on the road to top-ranked Gainesville in the first round. Pitcher Katie Chronister made quick work of Creekside, and Gainesville eventually won state title.
West Nassau (Callahan) (5A) (18-8) – NO REGIONAL PLAYOFFS (lost in district semifinals).
On the bubble (in alphabetical order):
Baldwin (1A) (19-8) – NO REGIONAL PLAYOFFS (lost in district semifinals).
Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (7A) (16-12) – went 0-1 in 7A playoffs – LOST to Columbia (Lake City) 11-10 in Region 1-7A quarterfinal (4/20).
Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) (5A) (15-11) – went 0-1 in 5A playoffs – LOST to #12 Suwannee (Live Oak) 6-2 in Region 1-5A quarterfinal (4/20).
Columbia (Lake City) (7A) (14-12) – went 1-1 in 7A playoffs – LOST to eventual 7A state champion #1 Gainesville 2-1 in Region 1-7A semifinal (4/26), won at Bartram Trail (St. Johns) 11-10 in Region 1-7A quarterfinal (4/20).
Countryside Christian (Gainesville) (2A) (18-8) – went 1-1 in 3A playoffs – LOST at eventual 2A state champion #15 Aucilla Christian (Monticello) 10-0 in Region 1-2A final (4/26), won at Eagle’s View (Jacksonville) 8-4 in Region 1-2A semifinal (4/21).
Episcopal (Jacksonville) (4A) (13-8) – went 0-1 in 4A playoffs – LOST at Florida High (Tallahassee) 1-0 in Region 1-4A semifinal (4/21).
Flagler Palm Coast (9A) (16-10) – went 0-1 in 9A playoffs – LOST at #9 Spruce Creek (Port Orange) 7-0 in Region 1-9A quarterfinal (4/20).
Fort White (1A) (17-3) – went 0-1 in 1A playoffs – LOST at #16 Lafayette (Mayo) 3-0 in Region 2-1A semifinal (4/21).
Mount Dora Christian (2A) (20-9) – CLASS 2A STATE SEMIFINALIST – went 2-1 in 2A playoffs – LOST to eventual 2A state runner-up Grandview Prep (Boca Raton) 13-4 in 2A state semifinal game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Thurs.), d. Master’s Academy (Vero Beach) 12-1 in Region 3-2A final (4/26), d. Covenant Christian (Palm Bay) 11-1 in Region 3-2A semifinal (4/21). – Bulldogs won District 3-2A tournament with win over Orlando Christian Prep, and rolled through two regional opponents by combined score of 23-2 to advance to Vero Beach. Mount Dora Christian was never in state semifinal game against Grandview Prep, who was run-ruled in state championship game by Aucilla Christian.
New Smyrna Beach (7A) (16-8) – went 0-1 in 7A playoffs – LOST at Viera 6-0 in Region 3-7A quarterfinal (4/21).
Oak Hall (Gainesville) (3A) (17-5) – went 0-1 in 3A playoffs – LOST to North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) 9-1 in Region 1-3A semifinal (4/21).
Paxon (Jacksonville (6A) (17-7) – went 0-1 in 6A playoffs – LOST to #11 Ponte Vedra 4-3 in Region 1-6A quarterfinal (4/21).
Santa Fe (Alachua) (5A) (18-10) – went 0-1 in 5A playoffs – LOST to #18 Eustis 5-0 in Region 3-5A quarterfinal (4/20).
Taylor (Pierson) (1A) (18-7) – went 0-1 in 1A playoffs – LOST to Trenton 6-2 in Region 4-1A semifinal (4/21).
Trenton (1A) (16-10) – went 1-1 in 1A playoffs – LOST at eventual 1A state champion #6 Chiefland 6-5 in Region 4-1A final (4/26), won at Taylor (Pierson) 6-2 in Region 4-1A semifinal (4/21).
Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (4A) (17-10) – CLASS 4A STATE SEMIFINALIST – went 2-1 in 4A playoffs – LOST to eventual 4A state champion Bishop Verot (Fort Myers) 8-0 in 4A state semifinal game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach (Thurs.), won at Florida High (Tallahassee) 4-2 in Region 1-4A final (4/26), d. Taylor County (Perry) 6-2 in Region 1-4A semifinal (4/21) – Conquerors made it through up-and-down season but knocked off Episcopal to win District 2-4A title. After beating Taylor County at home in regional semifinal, Trinity Christian hit the road to Tallahassee and slipped past Florida High to advance to first state semifinal appearance since 2005. The road came to an end in Vero Beach as Conquerors managed only one hit against eventual 4A state champion Bishop Verot.
Yulee (5A) (12-7) – went 0-1 in 5A playoffs – LOST at eventual 5A state semifinalist #8 Baker County (Glen St. Mary) 17-12 in Region 1-5A quarterfinal (4/20).
