Longwood, FL — In a passionate and heated game that started with fireworks from both teams’ crowds even before the first pitch, the FHSAA Class 3A Softball Championship between Somerset Charter and Eustis High was one to remember—if not for the game itself, then for the questionable officiating that marred the contest.

From the outset, the officials seemed to have Eustis’ number. A series of early-game infractions—like leaving first base too early and stepping out of the batter’s box—proved costly in the first inning. Questionable ball and strike calls had the Eustis faithful visibly frustrated early on. With Eustis on the ropes, Somerset took full advantage, jumping out to an early lead. Caylee Cerda’s solo home run in the third inning cracked the game wide open, making it 3-0. Ava Stevens added an RBI single, and a bases-loaded walk to Katelyn Champion scored Amira Pichardo. By the fifth inning, Somerset held a commanding 6-0 lead.

(Carson Roden and Ella Fleming got the start in the State Championship. Roden put on a gritty performance in the State Semifinal to help Eustis reach the state championship.)

Eustis mounted a rally in the top of the fifth. Kaylen Bublitz singled and scored when Adrianna Covino doubled. Brooklyn Powhida followed with a single that scored Taylor who got on with a walk, trimming the deficit to 6-2. Emmy Luke had a chance to close the gap even more with a grounder that looked promising, but Somerset made a clutch play to end the inning.

The bottom of the fifth, however, sealed Eustis’ fate. Somerset scored six more runs, and the mercy rule ended the game before the sixth inning could begin.

The final inning brought with it more controversial calls, particularly on balls and strikes that easily could have gone either way. Eustis fans were livid, but regardless of the officiating, Somerset played a strong game and got the timely hits needed to secure the state championship.

(Emmy Luke #6 consoles Kaylen Bublitz who was sad after her final high school softball game. The atmosphere might have been somber but the reality of what they accomplished soon set in and the girls were very proud of their efforts despite the loss.)

After the game, emotions ran high, but the Eustis girls came together, united by the words of their coach.
“It was a privilege to get to coach this group this year. I am thankful for the run we went on. You ladies worked incredibly hard all season. Be proud of yourselves, and I’ll see you in two weeks,” said Coach Tyra Bowers, offering encouragement despite the heartbreaking loss. Coach Bowers has learned from the best in Head Coach Brittany Beall, who always emphasized looking forward rather than dwelling on the past.

Amid the heartbreak came a lighthearted moment from senior Kaylen Bublitz, affectionately known as “Bubbles” by her teammates. She grinned and exclaimed, “I got a hit and scored!” “You did!!” her teammates cheered back.

(This team was young but they didn’t play like it. They went out and made Lake County proud. It was not always easy this year but they came together as a team down the stretch and finished State Runner-Up. They also finished as the top Public School in Class 3A.)

Bublitz, the lone senior on the team, was a joy to watch over the past few years, and in her final high school softball game, she delivered a memorable performance. The entire community is proud of her.

As the team left the field for the final time, they were met with overwhelming support. Eustis truly showed up for these girls, and the town should be proud of the journey they took together. The heartfelt hugs from parents, the words of encouragement from former teammates—this is what small-town sports are all about.

Although this season has come to a close, Eustis is determined to return next year. With most of the roster returning in 2026, this young team has great ambition. Perhaps next year, they’ll make it to the state championship for the third straight time. We’ll be watching.