For The Dialog
PIKE CREEK – Fifth-seeded Delaware Military Academy used solid pitching and great defense to edge No. 12 Padua, 1-0, in a first-round softball tournament game on May 23 at Midway Softball Complex. Freshmen Delani Sheehan pitched a seven-hitter, and Alexus Novotny drove in the only run for the Seahawks (14-5).
The Pandas started strong in the top of the first inning as Caitlyn Baxter had a leadoff infield single and advanced to third on a Hannah Williams double with no outs. After a pop out, senior Abby Cunningham hit a fly ball to right fielder Ashlee Conaty, who fired home to nail the speedy Baxter and keep the game scoreless.
DMA’s Alexis Johnson was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the first and reached third with two outs. Brooke Conaty hit a ball that was dropping foul but second basemen Caitlin Donnelly made a tremendous diving catch to end the inning.
The Pandas were in business again in the top of the fourth inning. Cunningham blooped a single, and Zoey Jones hit an infield single. Gabriela Frabizzio sacrificed the runners to second and third. Alena Boyer, the courtesy runner for Cunningham, tried to test the arm of Ashlee Conaty, who threw her out in another double play to end the threat.
The Seahawks used their speed to get a run in the fifth. Samantha Freeland reached on a perfect bunt single and stole second on the next pitch. She scored on the single by Novotny with one out.
The Pandas threatened in the seventh, getting two runners on with two outs, but Williams grounded out to first to end the game.
Clare Henry had two hits for the Seahawks, who will face the winner of Sussex Tech Newark Charter on Thursday.
The Pandas finished their season at 13-6 but got a great pitching performance from Cunningham, who fired a seven-hitter.
