Cape softball looks forward to having fun in 2025

With a senior-laden team, Cape softball players are looking forward to having fun this season after making it to the DIAA semifinals in 2024.

“We just have to keep up the hard work this season,” said senior first baseman Hayden Hudson. “We have to improve every practice, being locked in and focused. But we also have to have fun, which was a big key part to our success last season. We weren’t always stressed out because nothing was expected of us. Now that it is expected, we still have to work hard, but we need to have fun so we can play loose and play our best games.”

“Last year was a great one for us,” said Cape head coach Mike Tkach. “We always seemed to get bumped out in the first or second round, but last season we made it all the way to the semifinals. What that means is that we can’t sneak up on anyone anymore. There are going to be targets on our backs each time we play. But it’s a compliment to these girls for their hard work and what they’ve done.”

Back in the circle for the Vikings is senior Abby Marsh, who had 99 strikeouts last season in 20 games. She garnered 16 RBIs at the plate.

Big bats that will deliver for Cape are St. Joe’s commit Alivia Heers, who knocked in 25 runs in 2024; UConn commit Ava Calciano, who had 24 RBIs and scored 30 runs last year; and Hudson, who tallied 18 RBIs in 2024.

Rounding out the senior class are Eden Frederick, Lily Phile, Milena Buehler, Abi Crouch and Bri Windish, who teamed for 12 RBIs and 33 runs scored.

“We need to keep up our effort,” said Windish. “If we keep our work ethic high, we’ll find ourselves back in the DIAA playoffs again this year.”

“It’s pretty important that we seniors take the new players under our wing,” said Calciano. “We are such a tight-knit group and we work well together. I think it takes us to another level with them.”

The Vikings open their 2025 campaign Thursday, March 27, against Milford on Cape’s Bill Cordrey Field.

“We are looking forward to it,”said Tkach.