The girls varsity softball team became district champions on May 1, defeating Timber Creek for the second time this season. Senior Alexandra Bedlowicz hit a homerun and freshman Sami Gartner hit the other run, leading to the 2-0 victory.
As the team heads into the first round of regional playoffs on Thursday, May 8, they have one goal in mind, a state championship. The keys to their success; high energy, lasting friendships, and a strong work ethic.
Wrapping up the regular season with a record of 18-6, they had dominant performances against Osceala (10-0) and Seminole (13-1). The most memorable games were against Spruce Creek (9-0) and Lyman (16-0) for senior night.
“In the Spruce Creek game, we knew the whole other team, so we just had a lot of energy and wanted to come out and win it,” senior infielder Alexandra Beldowicz said.
If they beat University in the regional quarterfinals, they will advance to the regional semifinal where they will play either Spruce Creek or Creekside on Tuesday May 13.
A key part of their success has been their explosive offense. Beldowicz, a USF signee, is a four-year varsity player who plays shortstop, third base, and pitcher, helping lead the team with a .483 batting average and 36 runs. Additionally, senior centerfielder Ana Roman, who will be playing for the University of Alabama next year, leads the team with a .583 on-base percentage, consistently setting the tone at the top of the lineup.
Although they work together well on the field, the team owes a lot of credit to their consistent team traditions which brought them closer together. Before every home game, they share a dinner held at a player’s home with catered/home-cooked food or at a restaurant. It enables them to discuss their strategies and create a focus.
“Our team meals bring everyone together before our games, and we get our hair braided, which helps a lot with creating bonds and being by each other,” Beldowicz said.
Senior Alexis Williamson and junior Alyssa Gutierrez are the main team hair braiders. For many athletes, game day preparation goes beyond just warming up—it’s about team traditions that build connection. Hair braiding has become one of those small, meaningful rituals.
“It’s really fun to see the inspiration picture come to life on one of your teammate’s hair and overall makes us appreciate the little things about our team more,” Guitierrez said.
After they share a meal and get ready for the game, they head to warmups. After warmups, they participate in their biggest tradition, sharing a prayer together. They walk to the fence and each share a message with the team, before collectively reciting The Lord’s Prayer.
“The prayers allow us to recenter and remind ourselves why we’re there. It’s a good reminder that we’re playing for more than just the number on our back and visualize our goals,” senior pitcher Ella Verne said.
With their mindset focused and goals clearly in view, the team now turns its attention to the regional quarterfinals against University, set for Thursday, May 8 at Hagerty. Tickets can be purchased on the gofan app.
