By Dave Brousseau

From 2015 through 2019 the Coral Springs Charter softball team was among the elite programs in the state of Florida.

Despite continued playoff success, the Panthers fell short of another state championship.

Patience and overcoming the most challenging competition, a sixth title was developing into reality, and the seven-year wait was finally over. Coral Springs Charter was again a state champion.

A six-run first inning proved decisive as the Panthers defeated Eustis 6-3 to ern the Class 3A state championship at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood last Friday.

Junior pitcher Courtney Wahlbrink, who played some of her best softball of the season during the playoffs, pitched a complete game allowing two runs and struck out eight to help lead Charter.

Freshman Jazzy Chung, who hit a home run in the regional final victory over Cardinal Gibbons, had a two-run single in the opening inning for the Panthers (23-4).

Leah Rutherford, Bree Martinelli and Gio Gurgel also had first inning RBI.

Coral Springs Charter defeated Lakeland McKeel, 14-0 in the state semifinal to advance.

Including state championships at Hollywood Christian in 2003-04, Coral Springs Charter coach Mark Montimurro now has eight career state titles. The Panthers six championships are now tied with Gulliver Prep for fourth most in state history.

Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.