Cape softball knocks off Sussex Academy 16-0
Cape senior pitcher Marissa Frederick had the right stuff April 12, as she delivered a perfect 16-strikeout, no-hit performance at previously undefeated Sussex Academy. The Vikings won 16-0 to move to 4-2 on the season, while the Seahawks dropped to 3-1.
“My curve and rise balls were really working today,” Frederick said. “But it’s just about what you see when they get into the box on how you’re going to approach them and what you’re going to do to get them out. It’s great to know I have such a great team behind me, because there is always that possibility that you’re going to throw that slip-up pitch. You have to keep the thoughts of the no-hitter out of your head. You don’t speak about it, let alone think about it. You just do your best on that next pitch. It was great beating undefeated SAS. They are a great team.”
Taylor Husbands led the Lady Vikings at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a double and three RBIs. Frederick helped herself, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Freshman Morgan Newcomb went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Freshman catcher Jay'Lyn Slater went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Sophomore first base Katie Kuhlman went 2-for-5 with two RBIs. Freshman Natalya Roundtree went 1-for-2 with a double and a walk.
“We came here to play, and we got the job done,” Slater said. “It’s a special bond between Marissa and myself. We’re pretty close being a freshman and her a senior. She’s cool.”
“We had a great full team effort today with everyone contributing to our success in one way or another,” said Cape head coach Shannon Timmons. “I'm so proud of Marissa today; she threw hard and hit her spots. She just got stronger as the game went on. She was supported by her defense for the five balls that were put into play. Ava Simeone, Taylor Husbands and Katie Kuhlman locked down our infield today and made the routine plays we needed to keep the perfect game intact.
“Offensively, we were able to put together some nice runs, timely hits – 16 of them – which just boosts our run production. It's nice to see them be successful in games as they continue to work so hard every day in practice.”
The Vikings return to the diamond Thursday, April 15, hosting Sussex Tech. The Seahawks host First State Military Academy Wednesday, April 14.
