Softball: Friday’s 6A state semifinal preview

Softball state semifinals

All games at Legends Way Ballfields in Clermont. Admission is $9 in advance, $12 on the day of the event. Parking is $10 for cars, $25 for busses. 

Mitchell (22-6) vs. Doral Academy (27-2), 11:15

How they got here: Mitchell d. Wiregrass Ranch 5-4, d. Sunlake 11-1, d. Venice 8-0. Doral Academy d. Mater Academy Charter 15-0, d. Miami Goleman 8-0, d. Cooper City 3-1.  

Outlook: The Mustangs, ranked No. 5 in 6A, have won 10 straight, including victories over 4A state finalist Hernando and 6A state finalist Land O’ Lakes during this streak. But the most impressive win might have been in last week’s region final against a Venice team that handed nationally-ranked Lakewood Ranch its only loss of the season. Playing — and beating — such high-caliber competition gives Mitchell plenty of confidence facing another tough opponent in the state semifinals. The Firebirds are ranked No. 1 in 6A, No. 3 overall in the state and No. 11 nationally by MaxPreps. They currently have an 18-game win streak and they’re only two losses this season were each by a run in extra innings. 

Team leaders

CategoryMitchellDoral Academy
Batting averageSydney Fowler .432Kassandra Machado .477
RBIsVanessa Neptune 26Kassandra Machado 51
Home runsKinnah Kreidler 4Kassandra Machado 16
ERAAshley Altman 1.88Alyssa Zabala 0.75
StrikeoutsSydney Fowler 105Alyssa Zabala 181