Audubon High School's softball program has long been known for developing elite pitching talent, and this season is no exception. While the Green Wave already boast a deep and experienced staff, a new name is quickly rising through the ranks: sophomore Addison Leahan.
Leahan has been absolutely dominant in recent outings. After striking out 14 batters in a shutout win over Cherry Hill West, the right-hander followed up with a masterful four-hit performance against a powerful Delran lineup, securing a 1-0 nonleague victory on Friday. That's now 14 consecutive scoreless innings for Leahan, who has piled up 22 strikeouts during that stretch and lowered her season ERA to 3.50.
"What a gutsy performance," said Audubon head coach Erin Small, who awarded Leahan the team's yellow hard hat honor after the game. "She's grown so much since last season. We saw the potential from the time she stepped on the field with us, she just needed more time to develop."
Finding innings on this staff is no easy task. The Green Wave feature three senior pitchers, each with their own impressive resume. Alaina Copsetta was one of South Jersey's top arms early in her career, posting ERAs below 1.50 in her first two seasons before a back injury sidelined her last year. She's been limited to 34 1/3 innings this spring but remains a threat when healthy.
Kylie Cannaday emerged as the ace last season, leading Audubon to its first sectional title in two decades and a state Group 1 final appearance. She's been just as effective this year with a 2.36 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 50 innings, including a 12-strikeout, three-hitter against Haddon Heights on May 7. Sophia Tessitore rounds out the senior trio, tossing eight innings with a team-low 1.75 ERA, including four strong frames against defending state champion Gloucester.
Yet it's Leahan who is providing glimpses of both a bright future and a reliable present. Against Delran, she struck out seven over four innings, fanning the side in the fourth and working out of multiple jams, stranding seven runners on base. For a program that has built its success on pitching depth, Leahan's emergence is yet another gem in the making.