State softball: Lake Wales rallied to reach 4A final; McKeel out in 3A
Lake Wales rallied from a four-run deficit to defeat Key West for the third time this season in the Class 4A softball state semifinals.
LONGWOOD — As a power hitting first baseman for Lake Wales, sophomore Mattie Cockrell has had many big hits for the Highlanders but her biggest at-bat came playing small ball. Cockrell successfully put down a bunt to sacrifice that scored courtesy runner Bailey True from first base after an error to cap Lake Wales’ comeback from an early four-run deficit. The Highlanders came away with a 6-5 victory over Key West on Thursday afternoon in the semifinals of the 2026 FHSAA Class 4A Softball Championships at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park.
Lake Wales (25-6) will play Lake City Columbia in the championship game at 10 a. m. Saturday.
Lake Wales will be looking for its fourth state title and its second under Mike Settle in his final year as head coach. Regional quarterfinals: McKeel, Lake Wales, Lakeland Christian advance to the regional semis Regional quarterfinals: Bartow turns Lake Howell’s upset bid into blowout win Regional semifinals: Zamirya McBurrows locked in as Lake Wales cruises into region finals with rout Region semifinals: Softball: Pitching, defense lift Bartow and McKeel in regional semis Region finals: Bartow, Lake Wales, McKeel advance to state softball tournament Class 4A: Lake Wales armed for state tournament with Zamirya McBurrows pitching “I’m very excited, and I’m very confident,” senior Keira Davis said. “After how we played today, we know that we need to pick it up a little bit and be on our A game for the championship.
We’re all excited and ready. ” With the scored tied 5-5 going into the seventh inning, McBurrows retired Key West in order. In the bottom half, catcher Kyra Williams led off with a single then gave way to True.
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