Dade softball preview: Doral ranked nationally, Silver Palms primed to win first title
Doral Academy set the standard for softball success in Miami-Dade County over the past few years.
The Firebirds have advanced to five consecutive state tournaments.
But Doral is hungry for more.
The Firebirds have only once hoisted a state championship trophy (2021). The past two seasons have ended with heartbreaking losses to Bartow.
Doral enters the 2025 campaign with another deep squad which has caught the attention of the nation, however.
The Firebirds will start the season next week ranked No. 13 in the nation by MaxPreps and the only Miami-Dade County teams, which cracked the top 50.
One of the biggest reasons is a lineup, which could rival any in the state and most in the nation. Senior third baseman Sarah Breaux, a Clemson signee, highlights that group once again. Breaux is coming off a spectacular junior season during which she hit .603 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI. She and the sibling duo of junior shortstop Anabela Abdullah, a Texas commit, and eighth-grade outfielder Zoey Abdullah alone give the Firebirds major power and consistent offense in the lineup. Senior first baseman Leyani Viruet, a Miami-Dade College commit, and senior catcher Lauren Ali add depth to the batting order and consistent play in the field.
Despite losing top pitcher Yessenia Lopez, the Firebirds have an experienced pitcher in the circle in senior Meagan Villazon, an FIU commit. Villazon went 12-0 with an 0.37 ERA and gave up only three earned runs in 15 appearances last season and has plenty of big game experience.
Doral’s path in Class 6A figures to have the same obstacles as Bartow remains in the classification. But the Firebirds will prepare for a possible rematch with a schedule comprised almost entirely of teams which made the postseason last year.
“Our softball team has strong leadership that guides our young talent,” said Doral coach Willie Viruet, who has led the Firebirds to all five state appearances and their state title. “The combination of experienced players and eager young ones creates a dynamic environment for growth and success.”
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▪ Somerset Silver Palms will try to make it three consecutive seasons advancing to the state final four and perhaps capture the school’s first state title.
The Stallions, guided by veteran coach Gator Rebhan, return nearly every key starter from last season’s run to the state semifinals.
Sophomore Ava Stevens provides versatility as both the team’s ace and one of its top bats. She will be joined once again by one of the most talented infields in the state, which is led by junior Taylor Rebhan and sophomore Leilani Gonzalez. Freshman Caylee Cerda should add depth in the infield and on the mound.
Freshman Brigitte Valdera anchors things behind the plate again while junior Zoe Mateo provides a strong fielding presence in the outfield, along with senior Kate Champion.
▪ Coral Reef is coming off a 19-9 season, which ended with a disappointing 8-1 loss to Lake Worth Park Vista in the Class 7A regional semifinals. The Barracudas should still be Dade’s top team in the class as they return the bulk of the squad which won a GMAC and district title last season. Junior third baseman/shortstop Chloe Junco leads the group along with junior outfielder/catcher Brianna Fields and sophomore Sierra Johnson. Juniors Erin Zambrano and Quin Wylie will once again be the 1-2 punch in the pitching circle.
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▪ Westminster Christian (16-9-1, 3A regional semifinalist) moves down to Class 2A and hopes to make a deep playoff push led by senior third baseman/shortstop Gigi Khoury, who hit six home runs last season and hit .506 with 33 RBI. Sophomores Kaley Dyer (pitcher/outfielder) and Jaz Armenteros (catcher/third baseman) add depth on the mound and in the Warriors’ lineup.
▪ Florida Christian (16-10, 2A regional semifinalist) should still be among the top contenders to make it to state in 2A. Senior pitcher Serena Gillen is one of the main reasons as she returns along with senior catcher Emma Medina.
▪ St. Brendan (13-12, 4A regional semifinalist) finds itself in one of the state’s toughest classifications in 3A, but has a young squad that should compete with the top teams in the bracket. Senior shortstop Madisyn Llerandi and sophomore second baseman/pitcher Julia Miranda lead the Sabres. Senior third baseman/left fielder Rachel Rodriguez and senior outfielder Coral Latshaw should also be key contributors.
▪ Palmer Trinity (10-11, 2A regional quarterfinalist) will once again be led by sophomores and twin sisters Emmy and Kinsey Cerda. Emmy will handle the primary pitching duties while Kinsey looks for another strong season at shortstop. Senior catcher Mela Fajardo figures to be key behind the plate once again and sophomore Hailey Rodriguez in the infield as the Falcons try to challenge Westminster Christian, Florida Christian, AIE Charter and others for supremacy in 2A.
▪ Lourdes (11-9, 6A regional quarterfinalist) will once again be led by junior catcher Valerie Portuondo, who threw out 15 baserunners last season and hit .403. Senior outfielder Sophia Pierro hit six home runs last year, junior shortstop Jackie Perez-Abreu hit .353, and sophomore Mia Rivera tops the Bobcats’ pitching rotation.
▪ Carrollton (14-6) is led by senior pitcher Madelyn Althage and senior outfielder Amalia Neff. Sophomores Grace Diez, the Cyclones’ starting catcher, and infielder Isabella Whitby are also back.
▪ Braddock (10-9-1) is led by senior catcher Braelen Cintron, a top scholar-athlete at the school who will try to lead the Bulldogs to the playoffs. Sophomore infielder Belinda Magena and junior outfielder Anaise Gonzalez bolster Braddock’s lineup while senior Veronica De La Torre tops the rotation.
▪ Coral Gables (6-6) is led by senior third baseman Brianna Gonzalez, senior center fielder Celina Richardson and junior pitcher Lucia Rodenberg.
▪ Ransom Everglades (4-14) added a strength and conditioning program and alum Renee Burke to its coaching staff. The Raiders will be led by sophomore shortstop Addie Rothfield and a trio of juniors - outfielders/pitchers Beatrice Hernandez and Gianna Carvalho and catcher Sophia Biss.
This story was originally published February 12, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
