CONCHS SOFTBALL TO VIE FOR REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Key West downs

Somerset in extra innings for semifinal win

The Lady Conchs softball team came out of the gate ready to play on May 10, scoring two runs in the first inning of their regional quarterfinal game against Riviera Beach Suncoast. The Chargers were not just going to roll over, though, as they chipped away at the lead, tying it up in the third. Key West was determined to secure its chance to advance in the playoff bracket and poured on seven runs in the fourth inning to pull ahead. Solid defense, plus three more runs in the sixth inning, gave the Conchs a 10run advantage and the opportunity to retire an inning early in a mercyrule win.

Scarlet Niles led the team offensively, going 3-4 and stealing a pair of bases. Madelyn Perusse and Isabella Franco each had two hits and two RBIs. The remainder of the dozen Conch hits came off the bats of Dharma Murray, Alexandra Rodriguez, Skye Sterling, Tavyn Gage and Ty Cervanrtes. Defensively, Key West was error-free, effectively shutting down the Chargers after the second inning. Chloe Gilday took the win in the circle, striking out five batters while pitching 5-2/3 innings. Nevaeh Arnold came into the game with two outs and the bases loaded, ending the game in a single pitch with an out at first base and a final score of 12-2.

Senior, Key West Baseball

ANDRIS ‘LUCKY’ BARROSO

With a big game on the line, the Conchs can count on senior Andris “Lucky” Barroso to see them through. The 6’5” righty is imposing in physical stature but it is his ability to control the ball that strikes fear in batters.

This season, Barroso is 9-1 in games in which he started, with his only loss being to the top-ranked team in the nation. His stats this season include a save and a no-hitter. Barroso is near-perfect in fielding, with just one error in his four-year varsity career for the Conchs.

With a 3-for-4 performance at the plate and two stolen bases, junior Scarlet Niles sparked Key West’s offensive onslaught in their regional quarterfinal matchup. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Key West is currently ranked No. 2 in its region and faced Somerset Academy Pembroke Pines in a regional semifinal game on May 16. It would take extra innings to finish the nail biter, as the Conchs secured a 7-6 win courtesy of a walkoff hit by Isabella Franco. With results available shortly before press time, stay tuned to the May 25 edition of the Keys Weekly for full coverage. The Conchs will now travel to American Heritage High School on Friday, May 19 with a regional crown on the line at 7 p.m.

Barroso is unquestionably a lightsout pitcher, but his contributions to his team do not end with his arm.

“He’s an outstanding teammate who leads by example as an athlete, in the classroom, and in the community,” said Justin Martin, Key West athletic director. “He truly embodies Conch pride in every aspect.”

For his solid performance on the mound and exemplification of a team leader, Andris Barroso is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“Lucky is a fierce competitor who never lets the moment seem too big. He’s been a part of multiple no-hitters in his Conch career and has pitched in some of Conch baseball’s biggest moments in recent memory.”

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Justin Martin, Key West High School athletic director

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald