Cape softball young and eager for 2021 season

Cape softball head coach Shannon Timmons, in her fifth year at the helm, is looking to hit the ground running in the 2021 season, as the Vikings are young and fast and will play aggressive offensively, she said.

“We are all just really thankful to be back on the field and back together again after missing last season,” Timmons said. “I think we all have a new appreciation for the opportunity we are given each day to step on the field together. We have a very young team, but they bring talent and energy every day to practice and believe in their goals for the season. Even though we haven't seen any other teams yet, our intrasquad scrimmages have been very beneficial, especially for our younger players in the program who are just learning our style of play and our style of coaching. We are excited for all opportunities that lie ahead of us this season.”

Senior pitcher Marissa Frederick brings experience and leadership to the squad. The juniors are Dru Buehler, Marisa Conte and Gracie Whisenhunt. Taylor Husbands, Katie Kuhlman and Texas transfer Sophia Tighe comprise the sophomore class, and freshmen Morgan Newcomb, Ava Simeone, Kenna Justice, Natalya Roundtree and McKenzie Bennett round out the varsity team.

“We are excited to have three pitchers this season in Marissa Frederick, Sophia Tighe and McKenzie Bennett,“ said Timmons. “Each one brings a different skill set, but each is effective in their own way. We are looking for leadership in the circle from Marissa. She's been with us since her freshman year, and we hope she helps guide these new young pitchers early in the season.”

Coaching with Timmons are former Cape players Allison Sullivan and Sydney Ostroski along with Mike Tkach, and former Cape and Milford coach Sean Brennan, who led the Bucs to a state championship in 2017.

The Vikings will open the 2021 campaign hosting Milford Tuesday, March 23, at the Cape sports complex.