Eustis Panthers Eye Redemption in FHSAA Class 3A State Championship!

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA - The Eustis High School Lady Panthers have made quite the splash in Florida’s high school softball scene. Following their impressive run in the FHSAA Class 3A State Championship, where they finished as state runners-up, the excitement surrounding the team is palpable. With a strong record of 23-5 this season and notable victories, including a semifinal win against Wakulla High School, Eustis has proved their mettle time and again. In that semifinal match held at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Softball Complex, the Panthers overcame a nail-biting score of 3-1, showcasing their skills and determination to advance to the championship game against Somerset Academy (Silver Palms), although they ultimately lost 10-2 in that decisive matchup.

Just last year, in 2024, Eustis claimed the Class 4A state title, and their journey this season further emphasizes their position as a force in the softball landscape. As the final all-classification regional rankings were released, Eustis proudly stood at the pinnacle, earning the top spot despite their setback in the championship match. Their defeat in the finals doesn’t eclipse a season filled with significant accomplishments, including winning against South Sumter (Bushnell) and delivering a strong performance against Crystal River, a notable opponent they previously defeated 13-4 in the 3A-Region 2 Final.

Regional Rankings and Competitors

The latest rankings reveal that Eustis received five of nine first-place votes in The Prep Zone Power Poll, a testament to their strength and consistency on the field. Montverde Academy, sitting in second place with a record of 27-3 and three first-place votes, has also made a name for themselves, although they faced an unexpected exit to Trinity Catholic (Ocala) in the 2A-Region 2 Final. Meanwhile, Trenton, the only area team to bring home a state title, sits third in the rankings, having finished their season at 19-6 after winning their second consecutive state championship by dominating Northview (Bratt) 11-1 in the Rural state championship game.

Additionally, Crystal River, with an impressive 24-6 record, held their ground in fourth place despite previously taking down Trenton in an earlier match. The rankings painted a competitive picture inclusive of other powerhouses like Matanzas (Palm Coast) in fifth place and a host of other contenders, showcasing the robust talent emerging from high school softball in North Florida.

The Season Ahead

As the high school softball season continues across the state of Florida, excitement ripples through the community about the future. Eustis, clearly determined to build on their recent experiences, has opened the 2025 season with promising performances, highlighted by a 6-0 start and averaging wins by the 10-run rule, thanks in large part to ace pitcher Carson Roden, who boasts a healthy 1.71 ERA. With other strong contenders emerging statewide—such as Montverde’s undefeated squad and Crystal River’s competitive pitching—the softball scene in Florida is brimming with potential and talent.

As we look ahead, the community remains hopeful for the Eustis Lady Panthers, who have already carved a significant path in Florida high school softball. Their journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and it seems clear that there’s quite a bit more to come from this dedicated team.

In summary, Eustis has firmly established themselves as a team to watch, with a legacy of achievements and a promising future that suggests they will continue to compete at high levels. With talented athletes like Kendall Kemp, Brooklyn Powhida, and others leading the charge, the Lady Panthers are set to keep the excitement alive in the coming games and years.