Eight Pensacola area softball teams have learned their playoff paths after the FHSAA released the brackets on May 1. Pace and Northview are the top seeds in their regions following district championship victories.
Key points
Eight Pensacola area teams are in the FHSAA softball playoffs
Pace and Northview are the top seeds in their regions
West Florida secured a home game after winning its district
Escambia qualified by winning the District 1-4A championship
Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Milton, and Jay earned at-large bids
PaceNorthviewWest FloridaEscambia
See FHSAA softball playoff brackets for 8 Pensacola area teams
Eight Pensacola area softball teams know their path to the Final Four after the state playoff brackets were released May 1.
Pace (6A) and Northview (Rural) will be the top seeds in their respective regions after winning district championships. West Florida (3A) was also awarded a home game after winning the District 1-3A championship. Escambia (4A) clinched a spot in the field after winning the District 1-4A championship. Navarre (6A), Gulf Breeze (5A), Milton (5A) and Jay (Rural) earned at large-bids in the field.
Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) blasts a 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
Adi Mobley (42) can only watch as a shot by Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) sails over the fence for a 2-RBI home run and a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
Q&A
Which teams from Pensacola are in the FHSAA softball playoffs?
The teams include Pace, Northview, West Florida, Escambia, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Milton, and Jay.
What are the seedings for the Pensacola area softball teams?
Pace and Northview are the top seeds in their respective regions, with West Florida also securing a home game.
When were the FHSAA softball playoff brackets released?
The FHSAA softball playoff brackets were released on May 1.
How did Escambia qualify for the FHSAA softball playoffs?
Escambia clinched a spot in the playoffs by winning the District 1-4A championship.
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Patriots Laila Loomis (22) heads to the plate on a 2-RBI home run by Kamryn Pierce (15) to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) gets a high five as she heads to the plate on a 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) heads to the plate on a 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
The Patriots greet Kamryn Pierce (15) at the plate on her 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
The Patriots celebrate their sixth district championship following their victory in the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
More photos are coming soon.
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See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) blasts a 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
1 / 8
See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) blasts a 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
2 / 8
See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
Adi Mobley (42) can only watch as a shot by Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) sails over the fence for a 2-RBI home run and a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
3 / 8
See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
Patriots Laila Loomis (22) heads to the plate on a 2-RBI home run by Kamryn Pierce (15) to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
4 / 8
See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) gets a high five as she heads to the plate on a 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
5 / 8
See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
Patriots Kamryn Pierce (15) heads to the plate on a 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
6 / 8
See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
The Patriots greet Kamryn Pierce (15) at the plate on her 2-RBI home run to take a 4-3 lead over the Raiders during the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
7 / 8
See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
The Patriots celebrate their sixth district championship following their victory in the Navarre vs Pace 1-6A District Championship softball game at Pace High School on April 30, 2026.
8 / 8
See Patriots softball defeat Raiders for district championship
More photos are coming soon.
The state playoffs start May 6 with regional quarterfinals for classes 1A-4A on May 6 and classes 5A-7A on May 7. Rural regional semifinals will also take place May 7. 1A-7A regional semifinals and the rural regional finals will be May 12 and the 1A-7A regional finals will be May 14.
All roads lead to the state championships at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood May 19-23. Pace and Northview were both state runner-up a year ago. The Patriots won the 6A state championship in 2024.
Below are the regional brackets featuring Pensacola area teams. Local teams are in bold, while district champions are marked with an asterisk (*) and will host in the regional quarterfinals unless matched up with a higher seed district champion.
Region 1-6A
(1) Pace* vs. (8) Nease*
(4) Crestview vs. (5) Horizon
(2) Tocoi Creek* vs. (7) Forest*
(3) Navarre vs. (6) Buchholz
Analysis: The Patriots (22-4) wrapped up homefield advantage through the regional rounds with a 4-3 win over Navarre in the District 1-6A championship. Pace will be looking for its sixth straight Final Four appearance and will start that journey against a Nease (11-12) squad that clinched its spot by winning the District 2-6A championship.
The Golden Bears are making their first state playoff appearance since 2018, when they advanced to the 5A regional finals.
Navarre (13-10) will start at home and look to advance to the regional finals. The Raiders lost to Pace in the Region 1-6A final a year ago and lost to the Patriots three times in the regular season. They'll face a Buchholz (17-9) squad making its first state playoff appearance since 2014.
Region 1-5A
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
A Panthers runner (no number on front of jersey) safely takes third base ahead of the throw to Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out to end the top of the 1st inning against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins first baseman Summer Smith (2) receives the throw to get Panthers Destiny Dennis (8) out after a dropped third strike during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers first baseman Adrienne Yoder (15) can’t make the catch as she dives into the wall for a pop up in foul territory during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers third baseman Ashlyn Sutton (7) watches as a Dolphins bunt rolls foul during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Faith Cain (4) safely take first after a dropped third strike as the throw sails over Dolphins first baseman Summer Smith (2) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins left fielder Aubrey Sparkowski (31) settles under a fly ball for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
A shot up the middle by Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) gets past the Panthers for a single during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins shortstop Sally Alberson (3) throws to first for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers pitcher Chloe Norman (18) tosses to first baseman Adrienne Yoder (15) to get out Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers center fielder Faith Cain (4) moves under a fly ball for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
A grounder by Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) gets past Dolphins second baseman Jaelynn Re (18), but right fielder Ryleigh Watts (34) plays it and fires to first for an out during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) is called out on a close play at first base on a hard grounder to right field during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) receives the throw to first base for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers pitcher Chloe Norman (18) dives to catch a short pop up for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers catcher Savannah Gardner (11) settles under a high pop up behind the plate for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) receives the throw to get Panthers Madison Vanderburg (1) out at first on a close play during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) advances the runner to third on a single to right field against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) heads to second and then third as a shot by Summer Smith (2) gets past Panthers second baseman Emma Messer (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) safely takes third based on a single by Summer Smith (2) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) heads to second as Panthers second baseman Emma Messer (9) plays a grounder by Reese Blankenship (7) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
A runner scores for a 1-0 lead as Dolphins Reese Blankenship (7) safely takes first base ahead of the throw to Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) celebrates after crossing the plate to take a 1-0 lead over the Panthers in the bottom of the 6th inning during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins third baseman Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) gets set to throw to first base during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Savannah Gardner (11) lays down a bunt that goes foul against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins Ryleigh Watts (34) fields a shot to shallow right field and fires to second base to get the Panthers lead runner out during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Dolphins shortstop Sally Alberson (3) fields the throw from right fielder Ryleigh Watts (34) to get out Panthers lead runner Sylvia McKie (10) at second base during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) safely dives into third base ahead of the throw to Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
2 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
A Panthers runner (no number on front of jersey) safely takes third base ahead of the throw to Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
3 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out to end the top of the 1st inning against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
5 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
6 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins first baseman Summer Smith (2) receives the throw to get Panthers Destiny Dennis (8) out after a dropped third strike during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
9 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers first baseman Adrienne Yoder (15) can’t make the catch as she dives into the wall for a pop up in foul territory during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
10 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers third baseman Ashlyn Sutton (7) watches as a Dolphins bunt rolls foul during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Faith Cain (4) safely take first after a dropped third strike as the throw sails over Dolphins first baseman Summer Smith (2) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins left fielder Aubrey Sparkowski (31) settles under a fly ball for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
A shot up the middle by Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) gets past the Panthers for a single during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins shortstop Sally Alberson (3) throws to first for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers pitcher Chloe Norman (18) tosses to first baseman Adrienne Yoder (15) to get out Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers center fielder Faith Cain (4) moves under a fly ball for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
20 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
A grounder by Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) gets past Dolphins second baseman Jaelynn Re (18), but right fielder Ryleigh Watts (34) plays it and fires to first for an out during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) is called out on a close play at first base on a hard grounder to right field during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) receives the throw to first base for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers pitcher Chloe Norman (18) dives to catch a short pop up for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
24 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers catcher Savannah Gardner (11) settles under a high pop up behind the plate for an out against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) pitches against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
26 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jaelynn Re (18) scoops up a grounder and throws to first base for an out against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
27 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) receives the throw to get Panthers Madison Vanderburg (1) out at first on a close play during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Jessica Jagar (1) pitches against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) advances the runner to third on a single to right field against the Panthers during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
30 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) heads to second and then third as a shot by Summer Smith (2) gets past Panthers second baseman Emma Messer (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) safely takes third based on a single by Summer Smith (2) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
32 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Summer Smith (2) heads to second as Panthers second baseman Emma Messer (9) plays a grounder by Reese Blankenship (7) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
33 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
A runner scores for a 1-0 lead as Dolphins Reese Blankenship (7) safely takes first base ahead of the throw to Panthers Adrienne Yoder (15) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Sally Alberson (3) celebrates after crossing the plate to take a 1-0 lead over the Panthers in the bottom of the 6th inning during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins third baseman Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) gets set to throw to first base during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
36 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Savannah Gardner (11) lays down a bunt that goes foul against the Dolphins during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
37 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins Ryleigh Watts (34) fields a shot to shallow right field and fires to second base to get the Panthers lead runner out during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
38 / 39
See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Dolphins shortstop Sally Alberson (3) fields the throw from right fielder Ryleigh Watts (34) to get out Panthers lead runner Sylvia McKie (10) at second base during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
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See Dolphins edge out Panthers 1-0 during softball pitchers duel
Panthers Chloe Norman (18) safely dives into third base ahead of the throw to Dolphins Ashlynn Stemcosky (9) during the Milton vs Gulf Breeze softball game at Gulf Breeze High School on March 10, 2026.
(1) Niceville* vs. (8) Fleming Island*
(4) Gulf Breeze vs. (5) Ponte Vedra*
(2) Chiles* vs. (7) Milton
(3) Lincoln vs. (6) Middleburg
Analysis: Both area teams will travel for the regional quarterfinals. Gulf Breeze (15-11) heads to Ponte Vedra (17-8) despite being the higher seed after the Sharks won the District 2-5A championship.
Gulf Breeze is in the state playoffs for the sixth straight year, which includes a regional finals run in 2024. Ponte Vedra is making its second straight appearance but hasn't won a state playoff game since 2019. The Dolphins could get a rubber match with Niceville (20-7) in the regional semifinals after splitting with the Eagles this season.
Milton (16-10) is making back-to-back state playoff appearances for the first time since it made six straight from 2013-18 and is looking for its first state playoff win since 2018. The Panthers will face a Chiles (18-3) program looking to build on its Region 1-5A semifinal run a year ago.
Region 1-4A
(1) Columbia* vs. (8) Escambia*
(4) Arnold vs. (5) Clay*
(2) Baker County vs. (7) Menendez
(3) Fort Walton Beach* vs. (6) St. Augustine
Analysis: Escambia (9-15) gets a rematch with Columbia (24-3), who ended their season in the Region 1-4A quarterfinals a year ago. The Tigers won their first district championship since 2017 on Thursday and have won their most games in a season since 2014.
No. 3 seed Fort Walton Beach (14-12) is the defending 4A state champions.
Region 1-3A
(1) Wakulla* vs. (8) Wolfson*
(4) West Nassau vs. (5) Yulee
(2) Paxon* vs. (7) Suwannee
(3) South Walton vs. (6) West Florida*
Analysis: West Florida (9-15) earned a regional quarterfinal home game after beating South Walton 8-5 in the District 1-3A final on Thursday.
The Jaguars are making their 16th straight state playoff appearance and have won games in nine years during the run, including the 2014 4A state championship. That includes a Region 1-4A semifinal appearance last year.
South Walton (15-7) is making its third state playoff appearance in the last four years, advancing to the regional semifinals in 2023 and 2024.
Rural Region 1
(1) Northview* vs. (4) Holmes County
(2) Chipley* vs. (3) Jay
Analysis: Both regional semifinals are rematches from a year ago.
Northview (18-5) beat Holmes County 1-0 in the same round in 2025, while Jay (11-12) beat Chipley 9-1.
Northview (18-5) will be at home in the first two rounds as it looks to bring home the program's first state title after finishing state runner-up a year ago. Jay is making its eighth straight state playoff appearance and lost to the Chiefs in the regional final last year.
Chipley is looking to win its first state playoff game since 2017, when it advanced to the 1A state semifinals.
