Cumberland Softball on a hot streak
VINELAND - After facing arguably the toughest stretch of their schedule this season, the Cumberland Dukes faced two NJCAA Division 2 opponents and came away with a 1-3 record against Lackawanna County and Mercer County. Those experiences prepared them for another tough stretch against NJCAA Division 1 Harford County (MD) and upstart Region XIX foe Northampton County (PA). Those lessons were certainly retained as the Dukes came away with a resounding 4-0 record.
On April 8, the Dukes hosted the Fighting Owls of Harford County and Cumberland came out swinging. In game 1, each Duke tallied a hit, a run, and an RBI in a loud 16-2 victory. The Dukes were led by Gianna DeMarco (3 for 3, 2 R, 3 RBI), Alicia Serrano (3 for 3, 3 R, 2 RBI), Bailey Pennino (2 for 2, 1 R, 1 RBI), and Jai'lynn Purnell (2 for 3, 2 R, 3 RBI). Sarah Morgan also had a big day going 3 for 4 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs as Olivia Powers also chipped in with 2 hits, 2 runs, and 1 RBI. Bailey Pennino pitched a complete game with 1 earned run, 4 strikeouts, and no walks.
In game 2, the Dukes jumped out to an early 8-0 lead as that would be all that starting pitcher, Alexis Donnelly, would need. She would pitch 5 innings, giving up only 1 earned run while striking out 2. Offensively the Dukes would be carried by Madison Sloan (3 for 3, 3 R, 2 RBI), Karlee Rossetti (2 for 3, 2 R, 1 RBI), and Sarah Morgan (2 for 3, 2 R, 1 RBI). Cumberland would run away with a 12-3 victory.
On Saturday, Cumberland Softball would play host to the Northampton CC Spartans. The Dukes would continue their hot-hitting ways taking an early 3-0 into the 3rd inning. After the Spartans scored 2 runs in their half of the 3rd inning, Cumberland would score 8 unanswered runs for the 11-2 victory in 5 innings. Sarah Morgan (3 for.3, 2 R, 2 RBI) and Madison Sloan (3 for 4, 3 R, 3 RBI) would provide the fireworks for the Dukes by hitting their first home runs of the season. Sloan would also add a triple to her highlight day. Alexis Donnelly had a sterling day at the plate by going 3 for 3 with a run scored and 1 RBI. Olivia Powers and Karlee Rossetti each chipped in two hits. Bailey Pennino was dominant in the circle, pitching 5 innings with 7 strikeouts while scattering 5 hits.
In true fashion, the Dukes carried their momentum into game 2 by scoring 9 runs in the first two innings for a 9-0 lead. Northampton would tally 3 in the 3rd inning, however, the Dukes would answer with two runs in the fourth to bring the score to 11-3. The Spartans were resilient by crossing the plate three times in the top of the 5th, but the Dukes would answer once again, this time scoring three runs to end the game at 14-6. Multiple Dukes tallied 2 hits or more with Nicole Rios going 3 for 3 with 5 RBIs and Olivia Powers going 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Alicia Serrano went 2 for 4 with a triple, 2 runs scored, and 4 RBIs while Madison Sloan went 2 for 2 with a double, 4 runs scored, and 2 RBIs and Karlee Rossetti went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Sarah Morgan was perfect on the day going 2 for 2 with 2 runs scored.
Due to unfortunate matters, the Dukes two upcoming matchups on April 13 and April 17 have been postponed. They look to refill those dates immediately - please stay tuned for announcements.