Weeki Wachee’s Softball Team Struggles to Find Their Groove as Springstead Soars

Springstead High School’s softball team won their fifth straight game 17-2 on Tuesday night, bringing their record to an undefeated 5-0.

Kylee Johnson, 25, pitches the ball during a game at Weeki Wachee High School in Weeki Wachee, Fla., on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. [Photo by Hanna Maglio]

Heading into the second inning, leading 9-0, the Eagles gained momentum early on. Cheers echoed through the visitors’ dugout, and it was clear Springstead had a good attitude heading into the game.

Assistant coach Abby Oliver says this drive is what the team has been working on in practice. “We’re glad they came out strong and hit the ball. Moving forward, we’ll keep that momentum going with the positive energy from the team,” said Oliver.

Eagles pitcher Madison Mayon, junior, looked near perfect this game. Pitching for three out of the four innings, Mayon allowed no runs and added to the momentum Springstead thrived off of.

Madison Mayon, 9, pitches the ball during a game at Weeki Wachee High School in Weeki Wachee, Fla., on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. [Photo by Hanna Maglio]

In the fourth and final inning, the Eagles made a pitching change, putting freshman Kylee Johnson on the mound. While Johnson allowed two runs, she still contributed to the near-perfect pitching Oliver praised. “Our pitchers have been hot this season. These were the first two runs we’ve let in all season,” said Oliver.

In the home dugout, the energy wasn’t as high. Weeki Wachee’s record now falls to 1-5 as they struggle to find their groove.

New head coach of the Hornets’ softball team, Eddie Melendez, stresses that he has a young team that is just trying to find their footing. “This is a new, young team. I’m a new coach. We have things to work on in practice,” said Melendez.

As Weeki Wachee falls to 1-5, Melendez knows what his team needs to work on. “We started coming around at the end of the game, but we need to work on that momentum earlier. We’ve got to work on our pitching, our defense, our communication.”

While it wasn’t quite the outcome the Hornets had hoped for, the season has just begun. Weeki Wachee High (1-5) travels to Dunnellon High (0-6) on March 5th, hoping to communicate and gain momentum a little bit earlier. Springstead High (5-0) will host Cypress Creek High (3-2) on March 4th.

Austyn Childs, 0, hits the ball during a game at Weeki Wachee High School in Weeki Wachee, Fla., on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. [Photo by Hanna Maglio]