Audubon softball's pitching staff has developed another gem

Tessitore has thrown eight innings, including four against defending state champion Gloucester on May 5. Her 1.75 ERA is the lowest on the staff.

However, it’s Leahan who is providing glimpses of a bright future as well as a solid present.

Leahan struck out seven batters over four innings against Delran. She fanned the side in the fourth and worked out of several jams, stranding seven runners on base. Over the last six innings, Leahan held Delran to two hits.

Audubon’s Addison Leahan strikes out the side in the fourth; she has 7 Ks for the game

Green Wave 1-0, mid 4@AGW_Athletics@sb_audubon@DelranAthleticspic.twitter.com/bWgYGuw1vk

— Tom McGurk (@McGurkSports) May 8, 2026

“That’s a very good hitting team and being in some tough situations with the pressure of a 1-0 game, it was great to see (Leahan) work her way through it,” Small said.

Leahan has always been blessed with a popping fastball, but she’s been able to take her game to another level by taking something off her pitches.

“Focusing on my spin and hitting my locations,” Leahan said about what she’s improved upon the most since her freshman season. “I’m also feeling more comfortable now and that’s a big difference, too.”

Small said Leahan’s ability to harness her pitches better and take advantage of changing speeds has made a huge difference.

“Addie has a much better understanding of how changing those spins and moving the ball around, she can see her getting more players to swing through those pitches,” the head coach said.

The game

Audubon needed just two batters to produce the game’s lone run. Emma Speyerer slapped an infield single, stole second and scored on Isabella Lamancusa’s RBI double. Lamancusa has delivered at least one RBI in nine of her last 10 games.

Audubon strikes first as Bella Lamancuso doubles home a run here @DelranAthletics@AGW_Athletics@sb_audubonpic.twitter.com/cELjAOqFZB

— Tom McGurk (@McGurkSports) May 8, 2026

That was plenty of offense for Leahan, but she received some big plays in the field to preserve the shutout.

Cannaday, the right fielder on this day, threw out a runner at the plate to end the Delran first inning.

Audubon’s defense comes up big as RF Cannaday throws out a runner at the plate to end the top of the first

0-0, mid 1@DelranAthletics@AGW_Athletics@sb_audubonpic.twitter.com/WXJHdCvD2y

— Tom McGurk (@McGurkSports) May 8, 2026

Third baseman Bria Klinger made two nice pickups, including one to end the fifth inning as Delran left two runners in scoring position.

Playing one of the tougher schedules in South Jersey especially for Group 1 school, Audubon improved to 12-8 which includes five wins in their last six games.

Tom McGurk is a regional sports editor for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and Burlington County Times, covering South Jersey sports for over 35 years. If you have a sports story that needs to be told, contact him by emailat tmcgurk@usatodayco.com. Follow him on Twitter at @McGurkSports. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Audubon's Addison Leahan is developing into a future ace on the softball diamond