Solo’s pitching gem propels Western softball team to second state championship
Just one step, that’s all it took.
Trailing in the count, Western senior Jade Castillo stepped up in the batter’s box to protect the plate and promptly smacked a curveball off the right-field fence for a two-run double in the bottom of the second inning.
That’s all Ali Solo needed.
The junior right-handed pitcher shutout Seminole the rest of the way to capture a 2-0 win and deliver Western the Class 7A softball state championship at the FHSAA Finals on Friday at Legends Way Ballfields.
It was the second softball state championship for Western (27-4-1), which won its first title (9A) in 2018.
“It’s a special group,” Western coach John Bradshaw said. “People don’t realize the hard work, day in and day out, that went into this. This takes a special group and they are a special group.”
Solo went the distance for the win, giving up no runs, no walks and two hits while striking out nine. She also pitched all eight innings to win the semifinal less than 24 hours earlier in the torrid heat.
“I was just focused on conserving my energy,” Solo said. “Earlier in the game my screwball was on. Everything was working.I didn’t hit this game so I was able to go into the dugout and get my little breaks and hang out under the fan.
“I just feel so blessed I was able to do it with this group of girls, and we had so much chemistry. I have never synced with people like this in my life.”
Castillo’s two-run double scored Brooke Bacaris and Arlette Caravaca.
“I just drove it,” Castillo said. “I really didn’t feel any pressure, I just wanted to do it for my team, and we ended up on top.”
Castillo transferred to Western from Cooper City for her junior year and she said it was the best decision she has ever made.
“We worked really hard and I am glad I got to do it with this group of girls,” she said.
Anne Long took the loss after pitching six innings for Seminole giving up two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out eight.
“We had to get our bats going and that is something we didn’t do,” Seminole coach Aimee Halpin said. “Anne pitched a hell of a game. It’s not the 2, it’s the 0, and that’s kind of the way we look at it.”
Seminole (18-8) has never won a state title and finished 10-13 this past season.
This story was originally published May 25, 2024 at 2:19 PM.