- December 25, 2024
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Freshman Leah Stevens replaced Emma Wood in Matanzas' preseason game. Wood, Stevens and Skylar Ludovici combined to throw a no-hitter. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Freshman Leah Stevens throws as hard or harder than Embry-Riddle signee Emma Wood, Matanzs coach Sabrina Manhart said. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas sent a message to its opponents this season with its 10-0 no-hitter against New Smyrna Beach in the Pirates Preseason Softball Classic.
Great pitching is nothing new for Sabrina Manhart’s team, especially with Emma Wood in the circle. But Wood did not produce this no-hitter all by herself.
The senior lefty struck out six and walked one in three innings then let freshmen Leah Stevens and Skylar Ludovici complete the feat.
“I wanted to make sure they all got a little bit of time in the preseason,” Manhart said. “We’re a little more diverse this season.”
“My freshmen are all very athletic and love the sport. And they’ve all played for several years. They might have some freshman woes, nerves and stuff like that, but I think they’ll all settle in and be very successful.”
SABRINA MANHART, Matanzas softball coach
Wood, who has signed to play softball at Embry-Riddle, pitched 131 of 144.2 innings last year. While she will still get the bulk of the work this season, the freshmen are too talented to keep out of the circle.
“They will be able to get mentored by Emma, who’s had such a stellar career for us,” Manhart said.
Manhart said Stevens throws as hard or harder than Wood already. Manhart hopes Stevens can one day become as efficient as Wood.
Stevens will get her opportunities, while Ludovici, who throws a lot of different pitches well, will likely start off as the JV pitcher to get some innings under her belt and then join the varsity at some point during the season.
When Wood and Stevens are not pitching, they will be playing in the middle infield or outfield. Stevens is one of four or five freshmen who will be in the lineup every day for the Pirates. Avery Thomas will start at shortstop. Ashleigh Pigeon, another pitcher who won’t pitch this year because of an injury, will hit as a first baseman or designated player.
Ashley Sampselle, sister of senior Lauren Sampselle, could start in the outfield. Emily Warren will start at catcher. Although Warren is just a freshman, she gives Matanzas experience behind the plate, something the Pirates did not have last year.
“My freshmen are all very athletic and love the sport. And they’ve all played for several years,” Manhart said. “They might have some freshman woes, nerves and stuff like that, but I think they’ll all settle in and be very successful.”
Matanzas was scheduled to open the season with back-to-back home games against Seabreeze on Feb. 23 and Mainland on Feb. 24. Flagler Palm Coast is scheduled to host Spruce Creek on Feb. 24.
