JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Baldwin and University Christian are headed back to the state softball final four.
The Indians jumped on Episcopal early and rolled to a 9-2 win over the Eagles in Region 1-3A. Jazmine Ramos-Merced homered for the Indians (25-4), who will be making their second straight trip to Clermont. They’ll play on Tuesday.
💥BACK TO THE FINAL FOUR💥Back to back seasons Coach Jennifer Shields & her softball squad is going to Clermont to compete for a STATE TITLE! Baldwin beats Episcopal 9-2 feeding off the energy of the massive crowd. Say it loud for the people in the back 🗣️#BTOWNPRIDE #ROLLTRIBE pic.twitter.com/YnWlhrw512
— Baldwin Indian Athletics (@bmsh_athletics) May 20, 2023
UC, the No. 1 team in the News4JAX Super 6, handled Episcopal 8-3 in Region 1-2A. The Christians will face Foundation Academy in the state semifinals Monday at 4:30 p.m.
Sophia Kardatzke homered and drove in three runs, Jaleigha Harris knocked in four and UC (21-2) barreled into the 2A state semifinals with a championship on its mind. The Christians have finished as state runners-up in 2021 and ‘22. It lost to St. Pete Canterbury in the first trip and to Orlando’s First Academy last year.
Kardatzke remains a menace in the circle, too. The junior whiffed 14 in the win. She will make her fourth appearance in the state semifinals. Kardatzke and Harris were both seventh graders on the 2019 UC team that reached the final four.
The season’s ended for Baker County and Ridgeview.
The Wildcats went on the road and couldn’t generate any offense in a 2-0 loss to Wakulla in Region 1-4A. And Ridgeview couldn’t slow down second-seeded Deltona in an 11-3 loss in 1-5A.
Regional finals
Friday’s results
Region 1-5A
(2) Deltona 11, (4) Ridgeview 3
Region 1-4A
(1) Wakulla 2, (2) Baker County 0
Region 1-3A
(1) Baldwin 9, (3) Episcopal 2
Region 1-2A
(1) University Christian 8, (2) Providence 3
State semifinals
at Legends Way, Clermont
Monday, May 22
Class 2A
University Christian (21-2) vs. Foundation Academy (14-9), 4:30
Tuesday, May 23
Class 3A
Baldwin (25-4) vs. TBA