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Golden Knights fall in DIAA finals

Madge Layfield struck out eight Bucs in the 8-7 loss to Caravel in the DIAA softball finals. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
May 30, 2022

For the second consecutive DIAA final, the Caravel softball squad squeaked out a one-run victory over Sussex Central, as the Bucs took home an 8-7 victory May 29 at the University of Delaware.

The game was back and forth, with each pitcher battling a small strike zone throughout the game. They combined for 17 walks in the contest.

Central’s Madge Layfield struck out eight, while Kasey Xanidis had three Ks.

Takyla Davis and Kaylee Verosko had two RBIs for the Knights, while Katie Evick, McKenna Boyle and Amara Cropper each knocked in a run.

Caravel’s Kendall Browne, Morgan Moxley and Brooke Holdsworth each had two RBIs, while Veronica Diomede and Haley Grygo picked up one apiece.

The game was tense from the first pitch, with teams battling to a 7-7 tie into the top of the sixth inning, which ended with a close call at first. Caravel sophomore Haley Grygo delivered a triple in the bottom of the sixth, scoring courtesy runner Olivia Rexrode to garner the go-ahead run. Central got a base runner in the top of the seventh with a walk, but couldn’t get her home.

“We fought hard all season,” said Central head coach John Wells. “We had a target on our backs all year, and every team brought their best game against us, but we are a resilient team. We battled through injuries and had a great season.”

It was the 12th title for the Caravel squad.

“It was a tough game,” said Caravel coach Randy Johnson. “I’m just happy to get through it.”

 

Bucs sophomore Kendall Browne drove in two runs in the game.
Bucs junior Veronica Diomede drives in an RBI.
Central senior Makenna Messina slams a ball into the outfield.
Central’s Catherine Hassler dives safely back to third.
Central shortstop Takyla Davis turns the first half of a double-play attempt.
Bucs sophomore Haley Grygo drives in the winning run.
Central junior McKenna Boyle drives in a run.
Bucs senior Olivia Rexrode gets a face full of dirt as she dives back to second with Takyla Davis covering.
Central junior first baseman McKenna Boyle snags a foul ball for a putout.
Central senior Kaylee Verosko gets the ball in quickly to the infield.
Central junior first baseman McKenna Boyle squeezes a pop-up for an out.
Central sophomore Takyla Davis slides safely into third.
The Caravel team poses with the DIAA trophy.
Central head coach John Wells settles his players on a trip to the circle.
Central head coach John Wells doesn’t like a ball call.
Caravel’s Kasey Xenidis went the distance and picked up the victory.
Central’s Kamryn Payne gets the ball in quickly after the Haley Grygo triple.
Haley Grygo pulls safely into third on her triple in the sixth.
Morgan Moxley squeezes the final out.
The Caravel squad swarms Morgan Moxley after the final out.
Cape grad and Caravel coach Randy Johnson signals to his player on third.
Receiving the Crown Trophy for academic achievement are Caravel’s Samantha White and Central’s Katie Evick.
Mya Jones grabs a liner and throws to second for a double play.
Central pitcher Madge Layfield catches a pop-up for a putout.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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