Danny Federico: reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The Branford High School varsity softball team concluded a standout 2025 season with a hard-fought appearance in the Florida High School Athletic Association State Championship Semifinals, falling 14-6 to the Northview Chiefs on Tuesday, May 20, at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, Fla. Despite the loss, the Buccaneers' season will be remembered as a historic one led by seven top-tier seniors.
Branford entered the semifinal matchup as the number three seed, boasting an impressive 21-7 overall record and a dominant 7-1 mark in Rural District 6 play. The Bucs captured the district champions title with a 3-1 win over the Fort White Indians, then went on to surge through the regional playoffs with a 13-1 win over the Madison County Cowgirls, establishing themselves as one of the fiercest teams in Florida's rural division.
Tuesday's contest showcased the team's explosive potential early on. In the top of the first inning, the Bucs stormed to a 5-0 lead behind a powerful offensive outburst. Victoria Swain and Mallory Blue each drove in two runs, with Blue launching a two-run homer to center field. Moments later, Madyson Sikes added a shot to left field, capping off a dominating first inning. However, the Chiefs quickly responded at the bottom of the second, tying the game at 5-5. From there, they proceeded to run away with the match.
Despite this, the Bucs continued to battle, adding a solo home run from Swain in the fourth inning, narrowing the growing deficit to just two runs. Ultimately, Northview's deep lineup and late-inning surge pushed the Chiefs into the championship finals, but not without a fight from the Buccaneer girls.
Branford's offensive leaders on the day included Swain, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and a pair of runs batted in, and Blue, who also recorded two hits and two RBIs. Catcher Morgan Brennan and outfielder Alexandria Whitfield each contributed two hits, while Hunter Revis chipped in with two singles and two stolen bases.
Pitching duties were split among three of Branford's finest — Laila Arnold, Blue and Swain — who collectively worked six innings against a determined Chiefs offense. Despite allowing 13 hits and 14 runs, the Branford staff struck out six and continued to battle throughout the high-pressure matchup.
This year's senior class was pivotal in propelling Branford to its deep postseason run. Arnold led the pitching staff in the circle with a 14-4 record and a 2.32 ERA across 123.2 innings, striking out 131 batters. Brennan made her mark behind the plate with a stellar .996 fielding percentage and a strong bat, hitting .392 with 40 hits, 29 RBIs and nine doubles. Alexandria Whitfield posted a .405 batting average with 30 hits, 26 runs scored, and 26 stolen bases. She was also a dependable presence in the outfield.
Jesse Frierson was another offensive force, batting .410 and contributing 41 hits, 26 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Cloey Criggall, who hit .391 on the year, also played a critical role on both offense and defense, matching Alexandria Whitfield with 26 stolen bases and maintaining a .937 fielding percentage at shortstop. Danielle Whitfield and Maya Brown offered additional support, with Whitfield serving as a key courtesy runner and Brown bringing much-needed grit and energy when called upon.
Throughout the season, the Bucs demonstrated consistency across all phases of the game. As a team, they posted a .335 batting average and tallied 276 hits and 177 RBIs. In addition to the seniors' numbers, stellar performances were posted by Swain (.468) and Blue (.365).
On the basepaths, the Bucs were aggressive and efficient, recording 100 stolen bases throughout the season. Joining her senior teammates with a double-digit tally in this area was Revis, who contributed 14 stolen bases throughout the season.
Defensively, the team maintained a .938 fielding percentage across 28 games.
Joining Arnold in the pitcher's circle were Blue, who added five wins and a 2.29 ERA in her 36.2 innings of work, and Swain, who provided key relief appearances late in the year, including the state semifinals match.
Though the season ended just shy of a state title appearance, the Buccaneers' campaign was a resounding success. Their journey to the semifinals marked one of the program's strongest performances in recent history, and with many key contributors eligible to return next year, the team's future remains bright.
As the girls return home, they do so with heads held high, having proven themselves among Florida's elite.