Big fifth inning lifts Cape softball over Polytech
The Cape softball program had not defeated Polytech since 2017, but year seven was lucky for the Vikings, as they used a 10-run fifth inning to garner a 12-4 victory over the Panthers May 2 at Bill Cordrey Field.
The Panthers took a 3-2 lead in the first inning and added another run in the third, but that’s when the game started to turn, as the Vikings’ bats took over and the fifth-inning barrage began.
Bri Windish started the inning with a walk. After a strikeout, Ava Calciano walked to join Windish on the bases. Alivia Heers slammed an RBI single to score Windish. Jay’Lyn Slater hit into a fielder’s choice, but a Polytech error allowed Calciano to score. Hayden Hudson joined with an RBI hit, and Abby Marsh singled.
Kenna Justice walked and Natalya Roundtree singled to score another run. Windish garnered an RBI walk on her second trip to the plate in the inning. After a pop out, a passed ball scored another to increase the Vikings’ lead to 9-4. Calciano connected for a triple, scoring two more. The final nail in the coffin was a dropped third strike that allowed Calciano to score, boosting the Vikings to a 12-4 victory.
“It was a really big win for us,” said Windish. “They have a solid team this year, so it was definitely nice to get the win. Hopefully it will help us with seeding in the tournament.”
Marsh went the distance in the circle to pick up her 10th win, scattering eight hits while striking out three.
Capext coach Mike Tkach was all smiles after the Northern Division victory.
“We enjoyed a wonderful week beating Smyrna earlier and then going up against a very strong team with a Division I pitcher in Polytech,” he said. “Yes they have had our number in the past, but once again our girls kept swinging and got some runs across.”
He said he’s proud of the coaching staff and the girls for the work they put in at practice and preparing for the next opponent each week.
“Hopefully we keep moving along positively as we eventually get ourselves ready for the playoffs,” he said. “Second place in the Henlopen North is something to be proud of because that hasn’t happened in a long time.”
Tkach said he appeciates the support from families and other fans.
“It’s great having people out there, and the team really appreciates it,” he said.
The 11-3 Vikings play host to 4-7 Seaford Tuesday, May 7.
