Royals softball readies for 2024 season
The Delmarva Christian softball squad continues its quest for a DIAA state championship this spring.
The Royals graduated only two seniors, but they were integral parts of last season’s run to the DIAA semifinals. Kaylan Yoder, 2023 Delaware Player of the Year, is now pitching for Liberty University, while first-team all-conference second baseman Lily Fetterman is pursuing a business degree.
“This team has an advantage with having a lot of returning players,” said coach Rachel Fetterman. “There's already a unity to the feel of the team. The seniors have really stepped up into their leadership roles, and the younger girls really respond to that.”
In the pitching circle for the Royals will be senior Lily Hutt, junior Taylor Lowe and sophomore Kylie McCabe.
“We are going in a little different direction this season,” said Fetterman. “We are going to be aggressive at the plate and on the bases to score more runs. You have to score runs to win games, and we hope to do just that.”
Returning to the infield will be Hutt, Rachel Hall and Lydia Woods. With Ryley McCluskey moving to soccer for her senior spring season, Lowe and Maggie Kwiatkowski are the veterans in the outfield. Sophomores Evelyn Bohinski and Bella Marinelli will be counted on to fill spots on defense.
Senior Katie Thompson returns behind the plate.
Hoping to add depth to the team are sophomores Kylie McCabe and Lillie Sells, and freshmen Megan Brining, Haley Rogers, Abby Totten and Kaelyn McGuinness.
“Our team has a lot of talent, and we are continuing to grow,” said Kwiatkowski. “Coming off a season like last year, getting third in the state, is tough, but if we continue to work our hardest as a team, we have just as much potential as last year. Our goal is to make it to states and try our hardest at every game. I am excited to see everything play out and fall into place this senior season.”
The Royals will open the season on the road at Caesar Rodney Monday, March 18.
