- April 25, 2024
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The Matanzas Pirates softball team went 14-13 last season. This year’s team will rely on speed and youth in hopes of making a playoff run.
The Matanzas Pirates softball team lost four seniors last season. This year, the Lady Pirates won’t lose any.
Coach Sara Novak knows having zero seniors on the roster means at least one thing: The future is bright.
Matanzas is looking to build upon its 14-13 finish last season — the first winning season in team history. In the first round of the district tournament last season, Matanzas lost to eventual champion Bartram Trail.
Novak said despite her team being young, it’s a lot more “softball savvy” than in years past.
The Lady Pirates will field a faster, quicker team this year, Novak said, adding that despite being “tiny,” she has more options in the batter’s box.
She said her hitters offer a variety of skill sets, including bunting, power hitting and slap hitting.
Sophomore Gabrielle Prickett is the team’s starting catcher and can offer a lot in the circle as a pitcher, too. Prickett hit .358 with one homer and 14 RBIs last season. She also had 14 stolen bases.
Fellow sophomore Marisa Magnuson might be the team’s best pitcher, and can sling the ball 55 mph. She hit .320 with one homer and 17 RBIs last year.
But championships are won with pitching, and Novak said she isn’t lacking in that department.
“What’s nice is I have four pitchers, but they all play a starting infield position when they aren’t pitching,” Novak said.
Novak’s rotation includes numerous pitchers who can throw faster than 50 mph.
And for a team that features one freshman, eight sophomores and two juniors, Novak isn’t necessarily worried about experience.
“We are very young,” Novak said. “But I think we are extremely fast and aggressive on the bases. We are very quick.
“The girls know what to do. They think the next play ahead. We have a lot more natural players and, instead of worrying about basics right now, we’re fine-tuning and working on strategy.”
As of Wednesday, the Lady Pirates were 2-0 after they defeated Seabreeze, 12-7, and Atlantic, 9-2.
“The team chemistry is amazing, and we are definitely a family,” Novak said.
FPC and Matanzas face off in the cross-town matchup at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Matanzas.
Novak said her players get excited for the FPC game, but as a coach, Novak said the district opponents are bigger rivalries because winning games within the district helps measure the success of the team.
MANTANZAS PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marisa Magnuson, Soph., P/2B: Magnuson is at her best in the circle. Her fastball can top out at 55 mph. She also batted .320 with one home run and 17 RBIs last season.
Shannon Mohan, Jr., CF: Strong throwling arm. Capable of playing both left and center field.
Ashley Pelose, Jr., SS: Wide range of mobility at shortstop; dangerous from both sides of the plate as a batter.
Gabrielle Prickett, Soph., P/C: Quick catcher with great mobility. Dangerous from both sides of the plate as a batter. Hit .358 with 14 RBIs and 14 stolen bases last season. Also can pitch about 55 mph.
Christina Reynolds, Soph., P/1B: Solid glove at first and offers speeds of 50-53 mph in the circle as a right-handed pitcher. She batted .310 with 14 RBIs last season.
Amber Johnson, Soph., P/1B: Great hitter and a great glove at first base. Hit .360 with one home run and 15 RBIs last season.
