NEW PORT RICHEY - Three players from state finalist River Ridge have been named to the Class 4A all-state softball team.
Sophomore outfielder Stephanie Seaman was selected to the second team by the Florida Sports Writers Association. Junior pitcher Kiki Von Holt and catcher Mandy Udovich, a senior listed as a designated hitter, made the third team.
"That's great," Royal Knights coach Ernie Beck said. "I can't complain."
No one else from Pasco County made the list. Of noticeable absence was Ridgewood pitcher Breanne Hill, a Pasco-Hernando Community College signee who has thrown three no-hitters in the past two seasons and is the Rams' all-time leader in victories (50) and strikeouts (581).
Von Holt, the Times and Sunshine Athletic Conference player of the year, set single-season school records for wins (19) and strikeouts (220) in pitching the Knights to the state final for the second straight season.
Beck questioned why his ace, who had a 0.48 ERA and tossed a no-hitter in a 9-0 state semifinal victory against Pace, was not chosen for the first or second teams.
"I think Kiki should be ranked a little bit higher," Beck said. "She should have had gotten more respect for all she did."
Unlike Von Holt and Seaman, Udovich, who will attend PHCC but does not plan to play softball, will not be back for another shot at a state championship.
"She always pumped me up," Von Holt said of Udovich.
"Kiki's going to miss her. We're all going to miss her," Beck said.
Udovich, a three-year starter, earned a reputation as a hard-nosed catcher and vocal leader. She also hit .343 with six doubles and 22 RBIs.
Danielle Denney, who missed last season with a knee injury, most likely will replace Udovich behind the plate.
Seaman, a strong-armed centerfielder, led the county in hits (52), runs (37) and stolen bases (25), was second in triples (four), third in batting average (.481) and tied for 12th in RBIs (14).
"I hope it gets better for her next year," Beck said. "She's the whole package. The only person that can stop her is her."
