PRINCESS ANNE — While acknowledging that the Trojans had drawn the short straw in the Class 1A East I Region softball tournament, coach Katie Boardman said the vibe was super positive heading into Thursday’s first-round game at Colonel Richardson.
“The girls are excited to play and be on the field — win, lose or draw,” Boardman told The Evening Enterprise earlier this week in an email.
“Bats have been moving better lately with more hits which is nice, and the recent win [at Washington High School] was a confidence boost the girls needed,” Boardman said.
“The team has improved as we continue to get more hits, score more runs, and face teams of quality who aren’t having to give us outs,” she added.
In the final week of the regular season, Kent County thumped Washington, 26-10, in a game that was halted due to the 10-run mercy rule after Washington batted in the last of the fifth inning.
Sophomore Julie Dickerson started in the circle and pitched three innings before handing over a comfy lead to senior Michelle Menequin, who mopped up. Collectively, they struck out seven batters.
Menequin helped her own cause with five hits, including a pair of doubles.
Dickerson had two hits.
Also contributing at the plate were: Talicia Wright, a triple and three singles; Laila Johnson, a double and three singles; Aryonna Wesley, a triple; Jayla Sisco, a double that bounced off the fence and a single; Ayryonna Roberts, a double and a single; and Ariyana Green, a single.
The Trojans scored in every inning; after batting in the top of the second they had a 12-2 lead.
Boardman said the defensive standouts were catcher Roberts, third baseman Sisco and Menequin as pitcher and shortstop.
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Colonel Richardson [14-4] is the No. 3 seed and KCHS is the No. 6 seed in the region tournament.
Coach Boardman said that for the Trojans to advance “we have all agreed we need to continue hitting the ball, being aggressive and smart on the bases, and limiting errors in the field to help take away unearned runs.”
No. 1 seed North Dorchester [17-1] and No. 2 seed Bo Manor [16-1] received first-round byes.
Also on Thursday, No. 4 seed St. Michaels [7-11] hosted No. 5 seed Perryville [6-12].
The semifinals are Monday, May 11.
