Cape softball saddles Riders with loss
The Cape softball team got 12 hits in opening-day action March 26, en route to picking up the first win of the season 6-3 over Caesar Rodney.
After the Riders scored one in the top of the first, the Vikings responded strong with singles from Madison Lubiniecki, Sara Craig and Madilynne O’Malley.
After Craig knocked in the first run, freshman Riley Windish stepped into the box and delivered an RBI triple in her first varsity at bat.
Olivia Mekulski delivered three RBIs on two hits from the leadoff spot, including a double. Mia Scott, Craig and Windish each went 2-for-3.
“I knew she was pitching inside,” said Mekulski. “So I looked for it there, she put it there and I got the hit.”
“She threw me a low, inside drop pitch,” said Windish. “I just wanted to help my team out, so I shot it out there. I was a little nervous, but I just knew I had to do what I could do.”
Craig went the distance in the circle, striking out seven batters while walking one. She gave up three runs in her first varsity start.
“I was really excited to pitch today,” Craig said. “When the defense backs me up and the offense is hitting well, it really helps me pitch.”
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of the girls,” said Cape coach Mike Tkach. “We’re going to be young. They looked like they were tight in the first half of the first inning. You could see it. Then they came in and opened it up, and you could see the tension release. When you put 12 hits up, that’s pretty good. We’re going to be competitive this season. We’re going to battle. If you’re going to beat us, you’re going to have to go seven innings or more.”
The Vikings host Dover Tuesday, March 31.
Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs.
