Central softball coach John Wells records 400th win

Sussex Central softball coach John Wells recorded his 400th win May 1, with a 10-0 Senior Day victory over Newark Charter.

“The 400 wins is crazy to think about,” Wells said. “Especially when we use the ‘one game at a time’ motto in our program. That’s a lot of ‘one game at a times’ in my 25-year coaching career. I think what it really means to me is the gratitude and recognition that all those players and coaches during that span deserve. They had to perform and commit to the team, and for that, I’m very thankful for all of them.”

Freshman pitcher Madge Layfield struck out 12 Patriots batters, giving up just three hits in the mercy rule five-inning game.

McKenna Boyle had three hits, including a double, and knocked in three RBIs to lead the Golden Knights at the plate. Kate Evick went 2-for-3 with a first-pitch homer in the first inning. She finished with three RBIs. Aryanna Bridell hit two doubles with an RBI. Takyla Davis went 2-for-3. Layfield slammed a double, picking up two RBIs. Kaylee Verosko went 1-for-2 with an RBI. Mya Jones, McKenna Messina, Kamryn Payne and Catherine Hassler each added a hit.

The Golden Knights didn’t waste any time showing the Patriots what they could expect, as Evick went yard on her first pitch in the first inning. Sussex Central had 15 hits in the game.

“I was glad that I could be a part of such a huge success for coach Wells,” Evick said. “Rounding third, I knew that I had started the game off for our team with the first run. After that, it became contagious.”

Seniors Skyler Webb, Tatum Otwell and Aryanna Bridell were honored before the game.

The Golden Knights move to 13-1 on the season. They travel to Sussex Tech Tuesday, May 4, to play the 11-2 Ravens.