Schoolhouse Prep softball aiming for a breakthrough to state final four
The Schoolhouse Prep softball team knew the only way to make itself one of the best in the state was to challenge the best in the state.
The Wolfpack loaded up their schedule in the hopes of challenging for a state championship in Class 1A.
And so far, the strategy is paying off.
Schoolhouse Prep moved a step closer to that goal on Tuesday night when it edged Vero Beach Masters Academy 2-0 in a Region 4-1A semifinal at Palmetto Bay Park.
The Wolfpack (15-11), the top seed in the region thanks to that strong slate, will next take on perennial contender Miami Christian with a berth in the state final four on the line on Thursday at 3:30 at Palmetto Bay Park.
“It’s been a struggle because our schedule the whole season has been tough,” said Schoolhouse Prep coach Henry Laurido, whose team has played top playoff teams such as Somerset Silver Palms, Western, Coral Reef, St. Thomas Aquinas this season. “We’ve played everybody so our record doesn’t show much, but I knew we were going to be ready come playoff time.”
Schoolhouse Prep beat Miami Christian 5-0 last week in its district final.
The Wolfpack will look for the decisive victory that would send it to state for the first time in their young program’s history.
Laurido, who coached at Miami Christian prior to arriving at Schoolhouse Prep, which opened in 2009, but has recently begun seeing its basketball, baseball and softball teams move closer to state title contention.
“I’ve got girls here from Mexico and Colombia and some local girls,” said Laurido, who also previously coached at SLAM Miami and led the Titans to three district titles. “They’re giving it 110 percent because they know that if they can earn a scholarship, it will make a difference for them and their families so it’s been rewarding to see.”
Junior pitcher Cecilia Valdes struck out nine over six innings on Tuesday night, and freshman Ivanna Bulbarela threw the final inning and struck out two.
Bulbarela drove in both runs, first with a single in the second and a sacrifice fly in the fourth. Senior Elyanah DeCosta also had a triple.
MORE GAMES
Region 4-3A semifinal - Cardinal Gibbons 10, St. Brendan 2: Freshman Kennadi Wilson led the Chiefs (26-1) with three hits, including two doubles, and three RBI. Gia Schirripa and Reese Randall each had two hits and an RBI. Skylar Flack also had two RBI.
Lydia Berent and Madison Leonard split the work in the pitching circle for the second game in a row. Berent struck out two and walked one over 3 2/3 no-hit innings. Leonard struck out three and allowed two runs on four hits and one walk over 3 1/3 innings.
Region 4-7A semifinal - Coral Reef 4, Boca Raton Spanish River 0: Quinley Wylie struck out nine, gave up two hits and walked one to lead the Barracudas (19-5-1). Chloe Junco had two hits and an RBI, and Erin Zambrano had an RBI. Reef advanced to the winner of the West Broward-Western game in the regional final on Thursday.
Region 4-6A semifinal - Cooper City 9, South Plantation 8: Juliana Marrero had three hits and two RBI and Marina Recht had two hits, including a double, and two RBI to lead the Cowboys (14-9) to the eight-inning win on Monday night. Danica McKeehan and Rylee Hedden each also had two hits. Cooper City will next play at Doral (25-2) on Thursday at 6 in the regional final.
Region 4-6A semifinal - Doral Academy 10, West Boca Raton 0
Region 4-5A semifinal - Sebastian River 8, St. Thomas Aquinas 4: The Raiders finished 12-13.
Region 4-4A semifinal - Key West 8, Somerset Academy 0: Somerset finished 13-13.
Region 4-1A semifinal - Miami Christian 11, Westminster Academy 0 (5): Renata Silvas threw five innings, allowing two hits and three walks and striking out six to lead the Victors (13-7). Maria Hernandez had a home run and a double and drove in three runs. Romina Casillas had two hits including a double. Luciana Garcia and Maria Jose Vargas each had an RBI.
