Softball falls to Central, downs Archmere
Doubles were the order of the day April 14, as Cape softball used 12 hits to put a 10-7 win in the scorebook against Archmere.
Tied at one going into the fourth inning, the Vikings scored five runs to blow open the game. They added two in the fifth and two in the seventh to ensure the victory.
Kaeli O’Neill-Willey went 3-for-4, slamming two doubles and a single, and stole a base. Sydney Doel went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and had two RBIs, while Rye Eliott went 3-for-5 with a double and single, picking up three RBIs. Kaniah James went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and Mackenzie Irelan delivered a sacrifice fly with two RBIs. Chloe Fluharty delivered a bunt and drove home a runner.
Savannah Reed picked up the win, going 6 1/3 innings, striking out seven Auks, walking five, scattering seven hits and allowing seven runs.
“Again, we were able to produce runs early on, going up 8-2, but the late innings [fifth and sixth] continue to be an issue for this young team, as we let teams hang around and get back into the game,” said Cape coach Shannon Timmons. “Our offense was able to come out in the top of the seventh and refocus our offensive attack, scoring two more runs.”
The Cape second-year coach was quick to praise her junior pitcher.
“Savannah had an excellent performance on the mound for us,” she said. “She threw a lot of pitches, going deep in the counts, but persevered and pitched with a purpose to shut Archmere down in the bottom of the seventh to record the win. Savannah has started to take on more of a leadership role this season, and it is apparent when she is in the circle for us. The coaching staff couldn't be more proud of her. When we keep our composure and focus on the execution of our game plan, we are very successful.”
Cape falls to Central
The Vikings dropped a heartbreaking 5-4 game to Northern Division rival Sussex Central April 12.
Haley Rauch hit a solo home run in the game. Elliott delivered with a triple and scored a run. Gianna Vayda hit a single, stole two bases and knocked in a run, while Lilly Pusey added a double for the Vikings.
Reed went four innings, striking out three, walking one and allowing five runs on seven hits. Marissa Frederick appeared in relief, throwing three innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.
“We jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first,” said Timmons. “We traded runs in the third and fourth innings until the fifth when Central went ahead and kept the lead. We had some positive things happen early on, and some of our younger, more inexperienced players were able to contribute today. Unfortunately, we also made some mistakes that cost us with runners in scoring position. Sussex Central is always a powerhouse, and they are well coached. John Wells has a strong, competitive program every year. The fact that we are young and can compete with a team like that is something we can build on. Now we have to turn our attention to getting ahead and finishing with the win.”
Cape will travel to Red Lion Christian Academy Wednesday, April 18.
