YORK — When the final Class B South Heal points are released, Cape Elizabeth High will not be the No. 1 seed.
But the Capers will be undefeated for the first time since 2014 – one of only three unbeaten teams in the state, along with Class C South Hall-Dale (13-0) and Class D North Ashland (14-0).
Cape Elizabeth finished off on impressive 16-0 regular season with a convincing 15-0 win over York on Wednesday, a game called after five innings because of softball’s 12-run mercy rule. Over the course of those 16 games, the Capers outscored their opponents 220-13.
Fryeburg Academy (11-3) is currently No. 1 and played a stronger schedule than Cape.
“I think this is huge for their confidence going in,” said rookie Cape Elizabeth Coach Kristen Duross. “I probably say this every day to them that they can beat anyone in the state. I don’t care if it’s Class A, Class B, Class C … They can beat anyone in the state so I’m excited going into the playoffs.”
With the 2020 season cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 safety protocols prohibiting in-person coaching for most of this school year, Duross didn’t know much about this group of girls. But, she said, once she saw them play – and especially once she saw them hit – she knew this team had a chance to be special.
“They can do it all,” she said. “And anyone can do anything on this team.”
The players had a much earlier inkling of the potential of this group, like on the first day of practice, according to senior shortstop Julia Torre.
Cape Elizabeth’s Julia Torre rounds the bases with a smile after hitting a two-run homer against York Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer Buy this Photo
“I think coming into the season we knew we had a good fielding team, a good hitting team and really good chemistry,” she said. “And it all just kind of came together.”
Junior catcher Kathryne Clay said this team has developed a close bond over the years, dating back to Little League softball. “I think the team chemistry really helps a lot,” she said.
Torre and Clay were two of the hitting stars for the Capers on Wednesday. Clay hit a three-run double in the top of the first to spark a five-run inning. Torre hit a two-run home run – the first of her career –as part of a six-run fourth that made it 13-0.
“It definitely means a lot to know that I’ve contributed something to this team and be a part of it,” said Torre. “And we all play an important part in it. Everyone contributes.”
Cape Elizabeth’s Anna Cornell pitches against York on Wednesday. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer Buy this Photo
Winning pitcher Anna Cornell allowed only four hits and one walk while striking out eight. She escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the third by inducing two infield pop-outs.
York Coach Kevin Giannino, meanwhile, was pleased with the 8-8 regular season for his young team. Six of the Wildcats’ eight losses were to Class A schools, the other two to Cape Elizabeth.
“I’ll take 8-8, considering the schedule we had,” he said. “Hopefully we can get a middle tier team in the B division playoff and go from there. But it’s been a good experience, it’s been a good year.”
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