Delmarva Christian rolls over Seaford 13-0 on Senior Day

Royals celebrate a group of five as good as any flush

Delmarva Christian softball celebrated the five seniors comprising its Class of 2024 before the 13-0 victory over Seaford May 14. Most would consider a set of five like that a Royal flush. Shown are (l-r) Lydia Woods, Lily Hutt, Katie Thompson, Rachel Hall and Maggie Kwiatkowski. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS

Aaron R. Mushrush

May 16, 2024

Three seniors registered two hits apiece, and all five of Delmarva Christian softball’s 2024 class members crossed the plate in a 13-0 win over Seaford May 14 on Senior Day.

Maggie Kwiatkowski, Lily Hutt and Katie Thompson had two hits each and were joined by Lydia Woods and Rachel Hall in scoring seven of the Royals' 13 runs. Kwiatkowski went yard to mark the special occasion.

“It was exciting, and I’m happy I got a home run this season,” Kwiatkowski said.

For most of the seniors, their favorite memory was their epic run to the state semifinals in last year’s tournament, but the girls have also learned things off the field during their playing careers.

“We’re a really tight-knit group, and I’m gonna miss the girls,” Hutt said.

Thompson and Woods noted how hard the team worked, and they echoed Hutt’s sentiment on the close bond the teammates share. Hall said she will remember the people, friendships and life skills she’s learned while playing.

“Coming off of last season, we had high expectations, but last season was unlike any other season we've had because we had an all-star pitcher, and I think it's hard to come off from a season like that,” Hutt said. “To be able to come together as a team – and for us five seniors to lead the team – I think that was really good. Maybe we didn't have the results we wanted, but we all kept a positive attitude, and I think we all grew from this experience.”

“Even when we had games where it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, I think we all learned something from those games,” Hall said.

With the best view in the house of the Royals’ defense, catcher Thompson witnessed firsthand the team’s efforts.

“I think we were able to make the best out of each and every one of us we were able to each contribute a good amount,” Thompson said

“We learned how to work hard and work together as a team,” Woods said.

The group of five is special to Royals coach Rachel Fetterman, who noted their strong leadership and character.

“The majority of them I had them since they were freshmen,” Fetterman said. “That was definitely bittersweet. It was my first class coming in as a coach. But they all are very good kids, and they are easily coached. There's no attitude. They want to work hard; they want to get better. They bring a different level to the team. That is going to be missed next year.”

Rachel Hall is all smiles, escorted by her mom, Kelly Hall, and dad, Chuck Hall.

Maggie Kwiatkowski gifted her parents Matt, left, and Wendy Kwiatkowski with a home run on Senior Day, as well as the owner of that van with a memorable dent.

Royals softball fans get to see Katie Thompson’s bright smile, usually hidden behind a mask, as she walks with parents Jennifer and Shawn.

Wendy, left, and David Hutt escort their daughter Lily through the lineup of players and signs as she grins from ear to ear.

Lydia Woods shares a laugh with her dad, Adam Woods, as her mom Michelle smiles while they begin to walk.

Seaford senior Paris Penn is also honored with a bouquet. Shown are (l-r) Maggie Kwiatkowski, Rachel Hall, Katie Thompson, Penn, Lydia Woods and Lily Hutt.

Royals senior Lily Hutt fires one over to first for an out.

Delmarva Christian senior Rachel Hall reaches third.

Royals junior Bella Marinelli strikes a menacing post after going from first to third on a passed ball. Coach Rachel Fetterman gives her the cross-arms.