Braden River High softball advances to state semifinals

Kaydence Evans watched last season transpire from the dugout. She was injured and unable to provide the steady pitching she had in years past.

But May 14, with the Pirates' postseason life on the line, the senior stood in the circle. There she would remain for all seven innings.

The final out — an infield fly — landed in her glove, commencing a celebration.

No. 2 seed Braden River softball (23-3) outlasted No. 5 seed Gulf Coast (19-9) by a 2-1 score in the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final, held at Braden River High School. 

Evans, who's committed to the State College of Florida, threw a complete game with 10 strikeouts against five hits.

"She wants the ball in her hand all the time, and she doesn't care what the situation is," said coach Keith Jans. "She's going to go out there and give you her best — all the time."

A pitcher's duel developed through the first three innings, making for a scoreless contest early on. The Pirates were held without a hit entirely until the bottom of the fourth.

Then came their breakthrough.

Third baseman/catcher Cooper Jones drew a walk, and fellow freshman Evelyn Paul didn't leave her stranded. The shortstop ripped an RBI double to bring her teammate home.

Paul crossed the plate, too, thanks to a double from freshman catcher/infielder Eva Martinez. That earned Evans a two-run cushion to work with entering the fifth frame.

Her first two batters faced in the top of the fifth reached base safely. So did two of her first three in the very next inning. Evans, though, escaped with one run allowed and Braden River's lead still intact.

"This is for my team. I have to have my team's back," Evans said. "I had these girls put these balls in play, so I'm going to have these girls get out."

The Pirates finished 4-19 last season, failing to win a district title or even qualify for the regional tournament. 

In 2026, they can now cross both "district champion" and "regional champion" off of their bucket list.

Braden River will face Niceville, Winter Springs or Pembroke Pines Charter at either 10 or 11:30 a.m. May 22 in the 5A state semifinals, held at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.