Jefferson opens the 2025 season with a new coach and plenty of optimism.
The Falcons, who finished 9-10 overall and 8-4 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division, return six starters and seven lettermen from last season.
“I am excited for this season,” said first-year head coach Nick Price. “New coaches in the program, and we have strong leadership returning from last season. We will be a strong hitting team, and we have two strong sophomore pitchers.”
With a strong nucleus returning, Price has high expectations for the Falcons.
“We are going to be in every game we play,” he said. “I expect us to win our conference and make a deep run in the playoffs.”
Jefferson’s strength lies in its offense, and they’ll work hard to overcome some inexperience at key positions.
“We have a very good hitting team. We have two of the best hitters in our county, if not the best. Our players work hard during the offseason and also play travel ball in the summer,” Price said. “We are inexperienced in some key positions. We are working hard at practice, putting our players in game situations at practice to build that experience.”
Seniors Allison Hill and Marillia Matuz return after impressive junior campaigns.
Hill, a Rio Grande commitment, batted .431 and provides the Falcons with a reliable option behind the dish. Matuz batted .448 from her shortstop position.
“Allison Hill provides great leadership behind the plate and is one of the best hitters in the county,” Price said. “Marillia Matuz is a very fast contact hitter.”
Junior Rylee Demattia, who batted .440 last season, returns at first base, freshman Whitney Reed steps in at second, and sophomore Ada Sirren is back at third after hitting .393 last season.
Junior Kennedy Rogers will once again patrol center field. She hit .345 last season. Junior Julia Sprague is in right, and freshman Alania Barress will start in left.
Sophomore Olivia Lewis is projected as the team’s No. 1 pitcher.
“Our pitching staff has to perform at a high level, which I believe both of them will,” Price said.
