WAR EAGLES DOWN CONCHS 5-2

Key West’s Quest for State Title Ends

In a town renowned for legendary baseball teams, Key West is fast becoming one also known for its softball prowess. Coach Jason Garcia and his Lady Conchs softball team have made it to the state final four in two consecutive years, and with a roster full of returning talent, a three-peat is not unlikely.

Unfortunately for the Conchs, their fantastic 2023 season came to an abrupt end on May 24 when the Wakulla War Eagles took advantage of a rare three errors to beat Key West 5-2. The early game went beautifully for the Conchs, who struck first in the second inning when senior Ty Cervantes made it to first base on an error. Fellow senior Madelyn Perusse laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance Cervantes. Alexandra Rodriguez walked, setting the stage for Tavyn Gage, who doubled to drive home Cervantes and advance Rodriguez to third. Scarlet Niles also doubled, driving home Rodriguez and giving Key West a 2-0 lead that they would hold until inning five when Wakulla tied it up.

The game endured delays due to lightning, sending both teams to their buses. Wakulla dealt the final blows to the Conchs, scoring three runs in the seventh inning. The War Eagles effectively shut down Key West’s final offensive hopes and secured their spot in the championship game the following day, eventually losing in the final to Lake Wales.

The War Eagles held the Conchs to an unusually low three hits, all doubles, from Niles, Gage and Miesha Hernandez. Nevaeh Arnold pitched the first six innings and Chloe Gilday finished the final frame in the circle for Key West. The duo, both juniors, struck out nine, walked one, and allowed just five hits.

Key West was 19-4 on the season, with a district championship, regional championship, and final four appearance. They return 11 of 17 athletes on their roster, including pitchers Gilday and Arnold, a .427 hitter in Niles, and a host of talented players looking to make it to the finals in 2024.

RICK MACKENZIE/ Contributed

Junior, Key West Track & Field

Key West’s pole vaulting program has long been a successful one, but it is not by chance that so many athletes clear a high bar in the Southernmost City. The Conchs’ latest pole vaulting protege is Suharevskis Niks-Davis.

In track and field, Niks-Davis specializes in difficult events, including hurdles, the triple jump, and now pole vault. A district and regional champ this year, he set his sights on a second state medal in the event. Last season, he finished eighth. With an undaunted work ethic, he improved his mark by more than a foot this season, capturing second place at the FHSAA 2A State Championships.

Don’t expect this to be the last time you see his name in print, though – Niks-Davis is just a junior, and his personal best is just over a foot shy of the school record. His coach describes him as positive and always wearing a smile on his face.

“He takes negative situations and makes them learning opportunities,” said Perkins.

For his fantastic work ethic as well as bringing honor to his school, Suharevskis Niks-Davis is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald