DeLand hasn't had much luck against Matanzas recently, but that could start to change on Monday. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field one another at 6:00 p.m. Matanzas took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on DeLand, who comes in off a win.
Last Tuesday, everything went DeLand's way against New Smyrna Beach as DeLand made off with a 12-1 win.
Hailey Whidden
| 03/11/25 @ New Smyrna Beach | 3 |
| 04/29/24 @ West Port | 2 |
| 03/19/24 @ New Smyrna Beach | 2 |
| 03/04/24 @ Taylor | 2 |
| 02/21/25 vs Trinity Catholic | 1 |
Hailey Whidden made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched five innings while giving up just one earned run off six hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in RBI.
In other batting news, DeLand let Brianne Yocum and De-Niya Padgett run wild. Yocum scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances, while Padgett scored two runs and stole Two bases. while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those two stolen bases gave Padgett a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Abby Walczer, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
DeLand always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .529. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Matanzas entered their contest against Palatka last Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. Matanzas fell 10-6 to Palatka. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Pirates, who until this matchup were averaging 2.33 runs allowed.
MCKENZIE MANHART was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring three runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of JULIET FOGEL, who scored a run while going 3-for-4.
Having lost for the first time this season, Matanzas fell to 8-1. As for DeLand, their record now sits at 4-5.
DeLand came up short against Matanzas in their previous meeting back in March of 2024, falling 3-0. Can DeLand avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
