Cape softball out-slugs Indian River 8-6
The Cape softball squad started off slow in its April 9 game against Indian River, falling behind 4-0 after three innings. But the Lady Vikings’ wake-up alarm went off in the fourth inning as they plated five runs en route to an 8-6 victory. They move to 3-2 on the season, while Indian River drops to 1-5.
Indian River had pulled ahead 6-5 in the sixth, but couldn’t hold down the Vikings in the seventh when Marissa Frederick went yard, driving in the winning runs.
Sophomore shortstop Taylor Husbands went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a walk. Freshman Kenna Justice went 1-for-2 with two RBIs. Dru Buehler, Katie Kuhlman and Jay’Lyn Slater all had hits for the Lady Vikings. Gracie Whisenhunt knocked in an RBI.
“Every time I get into the box, I always say strive for excellence,” said Husbands. “I always want to get 1 percent better than the previous at bat. We brought it together at the end and picked up the win.”
Frederick shined in the circle, striking out 17 Indian River batters while allowing just five hits, six walks and six runs, of which only one was earned.
“We started out a little slow today,” said Cape head coach Shannon Timmons. “But the great thing about this group is their willingness to adjust and dig in and fight for a win. They fight for each other. Marissa had another great outing but we have to clean up some of the mistakes we are making in order to really compete in the Henlopen Conference. We are proud of them for persevering, and they just keep playing. It’s all we can ask of them and they came up big today. It was a great win.”
”The main thing is you really have to dig deep and find what makes you want to play and what drives you to play,” Frederick said. “You use that to rein yourself in. You rely on your teammates. I’ve got a great defensive team behind me, so I’m not worried if I don’t strike them out or if I give up a hit. My team will get outs for me.”
Frederick, the team’s only senior, leads the team in the circle with strikeouts and at the plate with homers.
“I was fighting for my team because they fought for me the entire game. I do what I can for my team” she said.
Kinsley Hall and Megan Daisey pitched for the Indians, striking out eight, walking three, and giving up seven hits.
Cape travels to Sussex Academy Monday, April 12.
