On the afternoon of May 21, the Lady Jags softball team was cheered on by other students and staff as they headed to the bus loop for their departing bus that was heading to Longwood, Florida for the state-championships. As they strutted across the River of Grass throughout the school, the Lady Jags left Charter with their heads held high, readily prepared for whatever the state championship semi-finals might throw at them.

“Our team’s focus heading into the first inning of the state semi-finals is staying calm, playing together, and starting strong defensively. We want to keep our energy up and play our game from the very beginning,” explains freshman outfielder Laila Dorval.

On May 22, the Lady Jags took on the Winter Springs Bears in the state semi-finals, ending in a 0-4 loss.

The loss sealed their season record of 21-9. Junior pitcher Destiney Ortega comments on how such a feat was achievable.

“We stayed positive, worked harder at every practice, and trusted each other more as the season went on. Once we started playing together as a team and believing in ourselves, everything began to change.”

Regardless of the outcome, the Lady Jags have ended their season, leaving their mark on Charter history, officially being the third sports team during the 2026-2027 season to make it to states, along with boys basketball and boys soccer. With an entire team of underclassmen, including three middle schoolers as young as the sixth grade, eager for development, the Lady Jags will have an opportunity to come back even stronger next season, potentially bringing home a state championship.

Freshman infielder Brielle Martinez comments, “Honestly, my emotions after Friday’s game had me a little bit upset because no one wants to lose in the state semi-finals. However, I’m happy we’ve had the opportunity to make it this far  as such a young team because we can only get better from here.”