Del Tech softball wins Region 19 championship

The Delaware Tech team celebrates its Region 19 Championship win over Mercer County Community College May 17 at Georgetown. Shown in back are (l-r) coach Eric Swanson, Macey Myers, Colleen Cosbey, Carlin Quinn, manager Guy Wilkins and coach Stephany Courtney. In middle are Tori Henry, Couri Smith, Jada Courtney, Kylie Kruger and Kandice Schlabach. In front are Jenna Donovan, Carly Collins, Logan Walls, Lauren Smith, Cameron Quirk and Kaniah James. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

May 19, 2022

The Delaware Tech softball squad had to win two games against Mercer County College to garner the Region 19 Tournament Championship May 17. Mercer’s squad had defeated Del Tech 4-2 May 13, so the crowd was hesitant to pencil in the wins. That was until Del Tech won the rain-delayed first game 14-1, then pummeled the Vikings 18-0 to collect the tournament trophy.

The Del Tech squad moves on to play the National Tournament in Oxford, Ala.

In the first game, the Del Tech bats were hot, knocking 12 hits to Mercer’s four. Kaniah james (Cape Henlopen) and Macey Myers (Milford) each collected three RBIs, while Logan Walls (Delmar) and Kandice Schlabach (Delmarva Christian) slammed two RBIs. Jada Courtney (Caesar Rodney) and Kylie Kruger (Sussex Tech) each garnered an RBI.

Schlabach had a homer, while Walls and Myers had a triple and a double, respectively.

Lauren Smith (Snow Hill) went seven innings in the circle, striking out seven Vikings. Carly Collins (Sussex Central) and Tori Henry (Sussex Tech) came in from the bullpen.

Brianna Lee had an RBI for Mercer.

Del Tech didn’t miss a beat in the second game. There is no mercy rule in championship games, and Del Tech won 18-0.

Courtney, Walls, Kruger and Schlabach led Del Tech with three RBIs each, while James and Myers each drove in two. Couri Smith (Laurel) knocked in a run.

Schlabach had her second home run and a triple. Walls, James, Kruger, Smith and Carlin Quinn (Cape Henlopen) slammed doubles, while Myers and Courtney garnered two doubles.

Smith and Collins shared the circle, striking out three and scattering four hits.

“The girls played great,” said Del Tech manager Guy Wilkins. “Our pitching, hitting and defense were super. Sticks came alive in the championship games. They were big wins for Delaware Tech softball – a great weekend. We are looking forward to the next test – the Nationals in Alabama.”