Player of the week — Feb. 21-26
Madison Hamilton, Sr., Hernando Christian
Position: Pitcher
Season stats: .417 batting average, 11 RBIs.
The lowdown: Two weeks ago, Hamilton showed off her all-around skills, going a combined 6-for-10 at the plate with two doubles and five RBIs at the plate and had a combined 13 strikeouts on the mound in three games. Fans were impressed. Hamilton had 43 percent of the votes (665) in the Hernando County softball player of the week poll to beat Nature Coast’s McKenna Carr, who had 33 percent (501 votes).
Preseason pitcher of the year
Ava Braswell, So., Hernando
The Leopards ace finished last season 14-3 with a 2.14 ERA and had 73 strikeouts in 100 ⅔ innings to lead her team to the state title game. Fans were impressed. Braswell had 64 percent of the votes (1,033) in the Hernando County preseason pitcher of the year poll to beat out Nature Coast’s McKenna Carr, who had 33 percent (535).
Preseason hitter of the year
Sarah Torres, So., Springstead
Last season, Torres had a nice high debut, hitting .364 with 12 runs scored and 10 RBIs. Fans took notice. Torres had 48 percent of the votes (827) in the Hernando County preseason hitter of the year poll to beat out teammate Liberty Savarese, who had 18 percent (312 votes).
Top three rankings
| Rank/team | Record |
| 1. Hernando | 5-0 |
| 2. Nature Coast | 4-1 |
| 3. Springstead | 4-1 |
Tuesday night rewind (March 8)
Scoreboard
Nature Coast 24, Central 4
Hernando 15, Weeki Wachee 0
Springstead 5, Lecanto 1
Prime time team of the night
Hernando
The defending state finalist Leopards have been dominant, outscoring opponents by a combined 68-0 during their perfect. The latest rout came Tuesday against Weeki Wachee. Carolanne McClelland, Mika Vaughan and Jadyn Wright each had three hits and Hannah Lynch and Hannah Taylor each drove in three runs to lead the offense in a 15-0 win. Savannah Ellis also threw three perfect innings and recorded five strikeouts.
Prime time player of the night
Dom Sekelsky, Sr., Nature Coast
Scored four runs and drove in two more to lead the Sharks in a 24-4 win over Central.
Wednesday’s matchup (March 9)
Fivay at Weeki Wachee, 7
