Lady Pirates primed for state title

Week in and week out, teams are judged by how well they perform on the field.

A team’s record often is the simplest way to discern its mettle, but success is about more than just numbers.

Take Braden River High School’s softball squad as an example. While some teams rely on others to choose their opponents for them, this year, the Lady Pirates have traveled across the state in search of the toughest competition they can find. The girls already have played in three premier tournaments during the regular season with another one scheduled for this weekend.

Still, despite the stiff competition, Braden River is 18-2 and a perfect 7-0 in district play. The team’s two lone losses: a 1-0 loss to Sarasota and a 2-0 loss to Bartow. Both teams are nationally ranked.

To say Braden River is good is a gross understatement. This is likely the best team Braden River has had since the school opened.

And now, those outside of the East County are taking note. The Lady Pirates are currently ranked No. 1 in Class 4A in the 2011 Miracle Sports Florida High School Softball Poll. Braden River also cracked the national polls this week, claiming the 38th spot in the ESPN RISE Softball FAB 50.

Braden River will vie for its third Class 4A district title next week. And if the team wins, I would not be surprised to see it competing for the state crown.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected]