Cape softball falls to Golden Knights in DIAA semis
The 2024 Cape softball season came to an end May 29, with a 7-2 loss to a veteran Sussex Central team in the state tournament semifinals.
The last time the Vikings reached the semifinals was 2004. The Knights reached the finals in 2022 and the quarterfinals in 2023.
Central outhit the Vikings 10-2.
Cape junior Hayden Hudson slammed a double and junior Bri Windish had a single for the Vikings’ only hits. Eden Frederick had an RBI.
“In a day or two, we’ll be able to look at the big picture on how well we did this season,” said Hudson. “We are proud that we left it all on the field, and we’re proud we got this far.”
Abby Marsh went the distance in the circle for the Vikings. She struck out three batters.
“I’m really proud of us,” said Marsh. “I’m going to miss the seniors. We came a long way since freshman year. We’ll be back next year.”
“Obviously it’s a tough loss,” said Cape coach Mike Tkach. “You know it’s good when you live by the hits generated, but it can bite you when you don’t get the hits.”
Tkach said his girls played extremely hard against Central.
“We competed with and had the best pitcher in the state frustrated for awhile,” he said. “I am very proud of what they accomplished this season. This season is not dictated on one game here. It was a 2-2 game in the fourth inning, and we kind of just let things get away from us.”
Tkach said he has a good core of kids coming back next season.
“The seniors will be missed, but we have a solid core of returning players and some young talent coming up,” he said. “Thank you to the crowd that was there and supported us. We came up a little short, but we’re gonna work this off-season and get one game further and compete for a championship. We’ve already created our first goal for next year.”
Takyla Davis led the Knights with three hits. She pounded a double in the first inning and scored on a sac fly from Ava Brock. Davis went yard in the third before garnering a single in the sixth.
Brock, Madge Layfield and Davis each drove in two RBIs.
Layfield went the distance for Central, striking out 10 batters and walking eight. She helped herself with a booming homer in the fifth inning.
“I think Cape has the most improved team this year,” said Central coach John Wells. “They have a great team with great hitters and great pitching. We were concerned about them, but four of our senior players were in the finals twice, giving us great experience. Our senior leadership was outstanding this season. They really mentored the younger players.”
The Golden Knights are scheduled to play Caravel or Laurel at 7 p.m., Friday, May 31, at the University of Delaware.
