Varsity Softball and Baseball Take 7A District

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PITCHING FOR PITT: Shortstop University of Pennsylvania commit Cyara Geronimo steps to bat during the Lady Bobcats’ game against Western High on May 15 during their regional final game. The team would go on to lose 5-4 in the final inning of the game. Photo by Sport Lauderdale Media

By: Mia Villegas and Victoria Carmona

The varsity girls’ softball team has showcased remarkable progress in the 2025 spring season, emphasizing collective effort over individual success. This shift has propelled the team to a 16–7 overall record and an undefeated 2–0 in district play, securing the top spot in Florida’s 7A District 14 rankings before heading into playoffs.

This season, the girls looked forward to renewing their mindset on the game. Focusing on building a cohesive team that worked for each other was crucial to ensure their success. Statistically, the team’s collaborative approach has yielded impressive results. As of mid-April, the Bobcats boasted a team .469 batting average and an on-base percentage of .500. With a strong, balanced offense, they looked to the season with hopes of playing against St. Thomas Aquinas High, Doral Academy, and reigning state champions Western High.

“I was really in my head last season. This season, I had to realize it is just a game, and I will have another game at the end of the day. We all had to come together to get over mental issues,” said senior captain Victoria Hardy.

They began the season securing a dominant 12–2 victory against South Plantation High on Feb. 19, marking their third consecutive win. Unfortunately, their second game against Spanish River High ended in a tight 2-1 loss. Despite the setback, the Lady Bobcats regained their footing and retained an impressive four game long winning streak against Miramar, Somerset Academy, Cardinal Gibbons, and Hialeah Gardens.

“I was really looking forward to rematching Western and St. Thomas because they were overconfident last season and during the preseason. When we beat them it was the best feeling,” said Outfield Sophomore Jayla Castillo.

Following two losses against Coral Springs Charter and American Heritage, the Lady Bobcats faced rival St. Thomas Aquinas on Mar. 18 and came away with a convincing 8-2 victory. However, the team was unable to triumph against Doral Academy, losing 4-0. After this loss, the team headed to Naples to take on Somerset Academy, Barron Collier, and Bishop Verot. They would defeat Somerset and Barron Collier, but would eventually fall Bishop Verot 11-3.

“This season we had to learn how to understand failure. Being more communicative and open as a team pushed us through the mistakes and losses we made throughout the season, despite any other challenges,” said head varsity softball coach, Kyle Davis.

Heading into the final games of their regular season before playoffs, the Lady Bobcats were determined to improve in preparation for playoffs with hopes of making it to the state competition. The team was able to triumph over state champion Western, upsetting the team 11-1. This win led them to the Big 8 tournament, a competition between the top 8 teams in Broward County to end the regular season. The Lady Bobcats went against Coral Glades winning 10-0, and rematched St. Thomas Aquinas falling 6-5. Despite their losses at the Big 8 Tournament, the team went on to rematch Cypress Bay at their district championships after losing the title the previous season. The Bobcats regained their title as district champions, triumphing over their rivals 10-0.

“Going into this season we really wanted to beat Cypress, because we lost to them last year at districts. Winning is obviously always great, but it definitely made the team feel more sure of themselves for regionals,” Hardy said.

Advancing to regionals, the Lady Bobcats’ final three games would determine if their goal of a Regional championship would be possible. The Lady Bobcats would come away with back to back wins as they defeated Spanish River High 10-9 and Coral Reef in a convincing performance11-1. The team reached regional finals against the reigning state champions, Western High. Despite crucial plays made by second baseman Cyara Geronimo and catcher Victoria Hardy, the Bobcats ended their season in a hard fought 5-4 loss. This season’s focus on unity not only improved their on-field performance but also fostered a stronger team spirit. The Bobcats’ dedication to collective growth positioned them as a strong
team this season, demonstrated by their efforts.

“This season taught us all a lot. Throughout the struggle, we had to stay set on our goals. In future seasons, I think I will always remember the lessons this season taught me,” stated Castillo.

Effort Plays: During a pivotal play, infielder Isaiah DelValle charged in to field a tough ground ball, demonstrating sharp instincts and dependable defense. His hustle helped keep the game tight and energized the team, contributing to a 14–4 win over Columbus High School in the regional semifinals. Photo by Izabella Barbato.

The West Broward Varsity Baseball team has always been an esteemed athletics program. Expectations are always held high, and the Bobcats never fail to reach those goals. Like most teams, goals are set along the way, but for this team, there has always only been one goal from the start. Is to take a two-hour trip west to Fort Myers and bring home a state championship.

The 2025 season has been filled with some uphill battles but a drive of determination would lead them to the regional finals. With a 21-14 record, the two time district champions take another trophy this year, updating their title to three time district champs. This was just one goal accomplished by West Broward Boys Baseball. But this was not the ultimate goal.

“Our goal is to take districts for the third year in a row, continuing the momentum we have built over the past seasons. We have worked hard, stayed focused, and grown as a team, and now we are hoping to carry that success to Fort Myers at the end of the year. That is where we want to be, competing at the highest level and making our mark,” said senior pitcher Angel Figueroa.

The Bobcats started their season with two losses, but they bounced back in the next two games with two wins. As the season progressed it was filled with inconsistent performances. They were looking for something to ignite their fire. After a 15-0 loss against St. Thomas Aquinas in mid March, Head Coach Howard Stein decided to put the score up on the scoreboard during practice as a way to give the boys fuel. It worked, and for the next 11 games, they went 7-4, outscoring opponents 70-31 runs.

We knew we had to respond. Coach putting that score up was a reminder of how far we had to go. It brought us together, and we started playing for each other. That is when things really started to change,” said junior catcher Manuel Sarcos.

Heading into the playoff season, the West Broward Baseball team was putting in hours of practice. Practice was Monday through Friday from 3-5:30 pm. Their practices were organized and very efficient, helping them prepare for the 10 intense games ahead.

“Our practices were very organized. We would start with individual work to focus on our fundamentals, then move into bunt defense to sharpen our situational awareness, and finish with batting practice to fine-tune our hitting. Every drill had a purpose, and that structure helped us stay locked in,” Figueroa said.

Once it was time to play. The Bobcats got into their rhythm. They started the playoffs with a 3-1 win against Barbara Goleman. Moving on to district finals, they faced Cypress Bay. A triple by Manuel Sarcos in the first and a single by Anthony Sanchez gave the Bobcats a 2-1 lead early in the game. A triple by Adrian Bermudez in the third added an insurance run, making the score 3-1. On the mound, Braden Ace Aguila got the win for West Broward. He only allowed 3 hits through seven innings, striking out seven and only giving up one walk. They took the win 4-1, completing their goal of winning districts three times in a row.

“We came in focused and ready. That triple in the first set the tone, we knew we had to strike early and keep the pressure on. Winning districts three years in a row means everything to us,” Sarcos said.

The boys head into Regional play with two games secured out of a possible eleven. They first face off against Southwest High School. With the new design of regional play, they were able to bounce back from their first loss against Southwest (4-1). With their back against the wall, they win the next two games, 6-0 and 5-4, moving on to the regional semi-finals. This is where they face Columbus where they were placed in another do-or-die situation after losing 4-3 to the Explorers. Fortunately, they got out of it with back-to-back wins, 3-0 and 14-4 and would advance on to the regional finals.

“After every loss, we had a choice, fold or fight. We chose to fight. Game by game, pitch by pitch, we earned our way back. Now we are in the finals, not because it was easy, but because we refused to be done,” said sophomore outfielder Sergio Garcia.

Unfortunately, the gritty season comes to an end when they face five-time consecutive state champions and 2022 national champions, Stoneman Douglas. They were swept in a three game series by the Eagles, 6-0 and 8-7 respectfully. The regional finals did not go the way the Bobcats wanted them to go, and as they reflect on their memorable season, the 2025 team was a special group of teammates. Angel Figueroa does not doubt the team next year and hopes they will continue what they started.

“Have adversity. Get over the mental humps. Let the game come to you. Be more patient. Do not let the little things get to you, one at bat is not gonna change the whole game, one pitch is not going to change the whole game. Learn through your mistakes. Finish what we could not, ” Figueroa finished.