It took twenty years for Head Coach Addy Marcote to take her softball team at Miami G Holmes Braddock High School to the Class 6A Final Four. 

However, it only took one year for them to return.

For the second consecutive season the Bulldogs fell in the State Semifinal. In 2010 it was Sarasota High School which eliminated them, and this time around it was Winter Springs.

Marcote who has been with the school since its inception in 1989 thought this year they could win it all.

"Last season I thought we were prepared for what was ahead this time, but three errors and some solid hits by Winter Springs were just to much to overcome," stated Marcote.

Last year the Bulldogs made the deepest run in the state tournament in school history. This year they wanted to rewrite the record books. That was not to be.

They fell 8-0 to the eventual state runner-up.

Braddock finished the season with a record of 25-6. Even though another chance at the school's first ever state championship was derailed, Coach Marcote made it clear," I am very proud of this accomplishment by this group".

The leader of that group was senior Jennifer Garcia who pitched in every game except one amassing a record of 24-6 on the mound. Garcia who will play at Tennessee-Chattanooga next season also led the time in hitting.

Marcote credited Garcia as,"the best female athlete ever to play here."

If they can find a replacement on the pitchers mound the Bulldogs should be formidable once again in a arduous region that includes Palmetto and Varela.

They also lose Senior second baseman Kristalie Cabral who will play college softball at Daytona Beach. It might be tough for Braddock  to get back to Clermont, Florida for next years Class 6A Finals but the 2012 team is indeed still very talented. Catcher Dee Espinosa, a senior to be and a Division I prospect, returns along with what Coach Marcote calls "our fastest outfield ever."

Some of the best softball is played here in the sunshine state. And winning a state championship at any level is quite the feat. With 310 wins already collected by Head Coach Addy Marcote she is hoping come this time next year the third time will be the charm.