That's the ticket ...

1 THURSDAY, FEB. 4 

The last time the Braden River and Sarasota softball teams met on the diamond, the two teams combined for 27 runs in seven innings of the Class 7A-District 10 championship. With a new season underway, the Pirates will look to avenge last season’s loss as Braden River hosts its former district rival at 6:30 p.m. With the majority of their lineups still intact, this matchup could be another offensive slugfest. 

2 THURSDAY, FEB. 4

The Lakewood Ranch girls basketball team is four wins away from playing for the program’s first state championship. The Mustangs, ranked No. 2 in Class 7A in the most recent Florida Association of Basketball Coaches/Source Hoops state rankings will open regional tournament play at 7 p.m. when they travel to Riverdale for a regional quarterfinal game. The winner will advance to the regional semifinals Feb. 9. 

3 TUESDAY, FEB. 9 

What better way to start the season than on your home field? The Braden River baseball team hosts Palmetto in a non-district contest at 7 p.m. Led by a pair of rising college players in senior infielders Tyler Dyson and Brian Dillingham, the Pirates attempt to win their opener for the third consecutive year. 

4 WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10 

The Lakewood Ranch girls tennis team, which captured the Class 3A state championship last season, hosts crosstown rival Braden River at 3 p.m. The Mustangs return two players from last year’s squad in senior Jessie Kroupa and sophomore Natalie Vuckovic. They also have added a pair of talented freshmen in Gia Cohen and Grace Hagopian.