Softball Recap: Deland Starts Season with Victory on the Road

DeLand had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-4 victory over the Innovation Bulls on Tuesday.

Hailey Whidden

Batters Struck Out (Career)

02/18/25 @ Innovation	9
04/13/24 vs Flagler Palm Coast	8
04/29/24 @ West Port	7
04/12/24 vs Seabreeze	7
04/10/24 @ Atlantic	7

Hailey Whidden spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and three unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up nine Ks. Those nine strikeouts gave her a new career-high.

At the plate, De-Niya Padgett was incredible, firing off two home runs and four RBI while going 2-for-4. That's the most home runs she has posted since back in February of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Brianne Yocum, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.

Looking ahead, DeLand will be taking part in a tournament against South Sumter at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Innovation has already played their next matchup (against Apopka), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing.