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Upper Sussex falls in District 3 senior softball series

Lower Sussex earns host spot in World Series set for July 31-Aug. 6 in Roxana
Lower Sussex, fueled by a high-octane offense and stellar pitching, defeated Upper Sussex by a combined score of 21-0 across the two games. They will host and play the Senior League World Series July 31 - Aug. 6. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
July 20, 2023

Lower Sussex, the hosts of the 2023 Senior League Softball World Series, will also be participating in the nationally televised event in Roxana July 31- Aug. 6.

Lower Sussex defeated Upper Sussex 9-0 in game 1 and 12-0 in game 2 in a July 19 doubleheader to clinch the Delaware District 3 title and secure a spot in the upcoming national series. Lower Sussex comprises a majority of Lower Sussex athletes with a few Laurel players sprinkled in. Upper Sussex had players from Lewes, Milton, Nanticoke, Woodbridge, Millsboro and Georgetown little leagues. 

Cierra Lewis started both games for Lower Sussex and, along with Zoe Quillen, effectively silenced the bats of the Upper Sussex offense. Upper Sussex catcher Kerry Kemp was inches away from a home run in game 1, but was left on second as the inning ended. Upper Sussex threatened a few more times, but could not plate a run.

Pitching the majority of innings for Upper Sussex were Emily Peterson and Se’tara McGee. While both threw strikes, Lower Sussex was powered by a high-octane offense featuring aggressive base running and power from the likes of Bailey Ullman and Ashlyn Ullman. While Bailey came close to a home run, her sister Ashlyn notched one in game 2. 

With the victory, Lower Sussex will begin competing in the Senior League World Series at the Lower Sussex Pyle Center Monday, July 31. Running through Sunday, Aug. 6, the games will be televised on ESPN. Cape Gazette also has plans for coverage beginning with the opening ceremony.

More information is available at littleleague.org/world-series/2023/slsws.

Upper Sussex did a special pregame routine as their coaches were announced, squatting and popping up as the coaches reached down or stayed up.
Lower and Upper Sussex teams face the flag as Chris Stapleton’s Super Bowl performance of the national anthem is played. No tears were noticed on the coaches’ faces.
Incoming Woodbridge senior Emily Peterson fires in a strike during game 1. She started game 1 and pitched in relief during game 2.
Upper Sussex catcher Kerry Kemp smashes a ball to the left-field fence in game 1. It landed inches away from the foot of the fence.
Cape Henlopen’s Alivia Longo patrols center field for Upper Sussex and tracks down a fly ball in game 1. Sussex Central’s Ariyanna Gibbs made sure her teammate secured the catch.
Upper Sussex second baseman Se’tara McGee had to brace herself against the fence as she chased down a fly ball she just missed catching during game 1.
Sussex Central’s Se’tara McGee took the circle in relief in game 1 and game 2 for Upper Sussex. She is the sister of former Sussex Central standouts Isaac Barnes, Isaiah Barnes, Terron Barnes, and Sean “Duce” McGee.
Upper Sussex center fielder Alivia Longo lays down a sacrifice bunt to advance left fielder Brianna Dorey. She wasn’t willing to sacrifice her standards of taste for cold pizza in between games.
Upper Sussex pitcher Se’tara McGee narrowly avoids a collision with catcher Hadleigh Schwartz during game 2.

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