Cape softball seniors honored, Marsh shines over Royals

Vikings finish regular season at 14-4

Cape softball’s Class of 2024 comprises (l-r) Reilly Fagles-Carey, Jay’Lyn Slater, Natalya Roundtree and Kenna Justice. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

May 17, 2024

The Cape softball team honored its Class of 2024 before the Vikings hosted Delmarva Christian May 16 at Bil Cordrey Field. They then took to the diamond and outlasted the Royals 5-3. The Vikings end their regular season 14-4, while the Royals finish 7-11.

The Royals got on the scoreboard first when Maggie Kwiatkowski reached on an infield single and scored on a Lily Hutt single. But the lead didn’t last long, as Cape’s Ava Calciano singled, stole second and move to third on a wild pitch. Cape pitcher Abby Marsh then helped herself at the plate, smashing a homer to score Calciano for a 2-1 Vikings lead.

After a scoreless second inning, the Royals took advantage of an error to move ahead 3-2.

The Vikings didn’t get back in front until the fifth inning, when Milena Buehler singled to score Eden Frederick to tie the game. Buehler then scored on a sac fly to center by Jay’Lyn Slater.

Pinch runner Reilly Fagles-Carey advanced to second to put pressure on the Royals’ pitcher late in the game.

The Vikings added an insurance run when Calciano was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the sixth. Marsh pitched a three-up, three-down seventh inning to finish the game at 5-3.

“Once again it wasn’t pretty, but the girls continued to battle and found a way to come out on top,” said Cape head coach Mike Tkach. “Abby Marsh performed well on the mound and had another homer two games in a row. I would like to congratulate and thank our four seniors who were honored before the game. Now we wait for Saturday and find out where we are seeded. Hopefully we keep progressing and can make a deep push in the playoffs.”

Marsh went the distance in the circle, allowing five hits while striking out nine. She did not allow an earned run. It was Marsh’s 13th win of the season on 15 complete games.

“I feel much better today,” said Marsh. “It felt great coming around the bases. It was the best part of the day. We need to stay committed and keep the drive up for the tournament.”

The Royals were paced by Taylor Lowe’s double and single, Hutt’s double and Rachel Hall’s single. Lowe and Hutt each had an RBI.

Lowe started in the circle, allowing six hits while striking out six batters. Kylie McCabe came in from the bullpen and went 1.1 innings. She allowed one run on one hit and struck out one batter.

Cape seniors Reilly Fagles-Carey, Jay’Lyn Slater, Natalya Roundtree and Kenna Justice were honored before the game with their families and coaches.

The Vikings (14-4) earned the sixth seed in the DIAA state tournament. They will host the winner of No. 11 Polytech (15-3) and No. 22 Concord (12-6) Thursday, May 23.

Delmarva Christian (7-11) earned the 21st seed and will play at No. 12 Indian River (11-7) Tuesday, May 21. The winner will play at No. 5 Laurel (13-5) May 23.

Cape junior Abby Marsh went the distance in the circle, striking out nine batters.

Senior Rachel Hall drives a hit for the Royals.

Cape junior Ava Calciano scoops up a grounder at short.

Cape senior Kenna Justice tracks down a fly ball.

Lily Hutt pounds a hit for the Royals.

Royals junior Taylor Lowe delivers to the plate. She struck out six batters.

Cape’s Ava Calciano slides safely into second as Royals shortstop Rachel Hall snags the throw.

Junior Hayden Hudson pounds a hit for the Vikings.

Cape pitcher Abby Marsh went yard in the bottom of the first for the Vikings.

The Cape team walks back to the dugout after presenting Abby Marsh with the home run Viking helmet. Shown are (l-r) Eden Frederick, Hayden Hudson, Reilly Fagles-Carey, Marsh and Milena Buehler.