Pirates' freshmen are learning the culture and finding their rhythm

Playing softball for Matanzas is not easy. You have to learn the culture. You have to know the cheers. You have to know the beat.

The beat?

“In the past, kids who took the steel drum class would like to make some noise, drumming on the coolers and things,” Pirates coach Sabrina Manhart said.

The Pirates have six freshmen, all of whom have contributed to the team's 8-4 record this season. Pitcher Leah Stevens has 101 strikeouts in 51 innings. Shortstop Ava Thomas is second on the team in batting average (.417), hits (15) and runs scored (12). Outfielder Skylar Ludovici has a .367 batting average.

But they haven't taken the steel drum class yet.

“They're still learning the Pirate way. They're still learning how to beat the drums. I'm thinking about inviting the steel drum teacher to practice,” Manhart said. “That's the stuff that makes it fun. It gives the team so much energy.

“This team is just different,” she added. “We had enthusiastic entertainers in the past. Half our dugout is trying to learn our cheers still.”

The freshmen are learning things such as the 10-second rule. If you strike out, for example, you have 10 seconds, during which the team will leave you alone. Then, when the next batter gets in the box, you must immediately cheer on your teammate.

“We have so many freshmen, we're trying to pass down our traditions, like how to put the team first instead of ourselves,” said senior Sam Alfano, who went 3 for 3 in Matanzas' 5-2 victory over cross-town rival Flagler Palm Coast on April 6 at the Bulldogs' field.

Manhart said she is still learning how to coach the freshmen effectively.

“We have so many freshmen, we're trying to pass down our traditions, like how to put the team first instead of ourselves.”

SAMANTHA ALFANO, Matanzas senior

“They're all individuals. My job is to figure out how to best motivate each of them,” Manhart said. “They're making some freshman mistakes. But even seniors make mistakes. The big thing is how they'll respond to adversity. We're teaching them to do that with class and a positive mindset.”

Bulldogs make some noise

FPC showed it has come a long way since March 4 when Stevens tossed a six-inning no-hitter in the Pirates' 10-0 win over the Bulldogs.

This time, the Bulldogs had six hits and scored two runs. Scarlett Shields and Bailey Holmes had two hits apiece, while Madison Cercy had an RBI double.

The Pirates' five runs were the most FPC has allowed since its first loss to Matanzas.

“We're getting better,” said Bulldogs assistant coach John Kleinfelder. “We're not making as many errors. We're not making as many mental errors.”

“They've always been a competitive team,” Manhart said. “The first time we played them was senior night, so we came in with a lot of energy.”

FPC's coaches are pleased with the development of sophomore pitcher Alexis Laura.

“She pitched very well tonight,” Kleinfelder said. “She's hitting her spots, not throwing so many over the plate. But Matanzas is a good team.”

The Pirates collected nine hits off Laura. Alfano and Emma Wood had three hits apiece. Wood, who raised her batting average to a scorching .658, scored three of the Pirates' runs. Stevens struck out nine and walked three in seven innings.

The Bulldogs (5-6) bounced back April 8, with a doubleheader sweep of district foe Ocala West Port at home. They won the first game, which was the completion of a suspended game from March 9, 16-4, and took the nightcap 11-4. Laura, Holmes, Kylee Burns, Sadie Schell and Shields each had two hits in the second game.