Cape hockey tames Panthers of Polytech 4-0 in battle of unbeaten teams

Sports are a diversion from the harsh realities and pleasantries of real life. Sports can keep things in perspective or knock perspective clear out of the ballpark.

Thursday night, Oct. 24, the Polytech Panthers of coach Lynn Richardson came to Cape’s Champions Stadium with a perfect 13-0 record to face the also undefeated and two-time defending state champion Cape Henlopen Vikings.

“We are young with only one senior, and coming in here to face Cape with all their tradition not to mention depth and great players all over the field is a tall assignment for a young team," said Richardson after Cape beat Polytech 4-0, scoring two goals in each half and limiting the Panthers to a single shot.

Richardson, who switched between winter and spring hats during the game, has lost most of her hair but not her smile. "Yes, I was diagnosed with breast cancer last March and actually have a round of chemotherapy tomorrow,” she said. “I’m lucky it was caught early, so I’ll be OK.”

Polytech lost 6-1 to Delmar at the Delaware Turf Bowl Saturday, Oct. 26, to finish the season 13-3.

Cape, 14-0-1, and Delmar, 14-1, both hope to be opposite each other when the state tournament field is announced and would also like to see Polytech in the other bracket.

"They are a young, fast and athletic team," coach Kate Windett said after winning her second consecutive Henlopen Conference championship. "This year's Cape team is totally different from last year. Our inside passing game is our strength, and of course our midfield and defense.

Cape’s goalie Katie Kolobielski, fronted by “person protector" Tiara Duffy and wing women Lexi Woodruff and Sydney Smyk, has recorded 7 shutouts in 15 games and only gave up 2 goals once in an overtime tie to Severna Park.

Cape ‘s first-half goals against Polytech were scored by Sam Broadhurst from Tess Bernheimer at 22:22 and Maggie Delp unassisted at 17:33.

Second-half scores were by Allie Yeager at 7:22 and Amanda Smith from Cam Bernheimer at 2:45.

The team will practice in costumes, which is the custom for this Thursday's Halloween practice, and will welcome back Barbara “Cookie” Dougherty to speak to the team.

“One Tough Cookie” Dougherty, a cancer survivor who spoke to the team before last year's journey into the tournament, has become part of the soul and inspiration of the Cape hockey program.

Dougherty was at the game versus Polytech and has never met coach Lynn Richardson, but they share a spirit and healthy blending of sports and life.