Mariah Bell makes a catch in center field for CFCA.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)
Cape Fear Christian Academy’s varsity teams in spring sports started their seasons at home on Friday with softball playing Pungo Christian, which CFCA defeated for the 2019 NCISAA 1-A championship.
The 2020 season was stopped early because of the coronavirus.
The state finalists from two years ago battled to a tie at 6 over eight innings before the contest was called due to darkness.
“It see-sawed back and forth,” said CFCA coach Sterling Holmes. “A very exciting game. … We barely missed scoring the winning run. They made a perfect throw from right field.”
Cailee Ray, Rhyleigh Horne and Mariah Bell each went 3-for-5 for the Eagles. Kim Bordeaux and Anslee McLamb each were 2-for-4. Trinity Olive went 1-for-1.
Claire Parker pitched seven innings and Horne finished in the circle. Parker allowed seven hits and one walk while striking out seven with two earned runs.
“We gave them five of their seven runs,” Holmes said. “Sun in our eyes. … Players getting to a bunt at the same time and almost colliding. … A foul ball that curved back in.”
Girls soccer has lead
Lexie Crumley scored both of CFCA’s goals in an 8-2 girls soccer loss to Southside Christian of Clayton.
The Eagles had a 2-1 lead.
“The first was from a very good ball from Ella John (Dupree) and the other was a great unassisted goal that came from a tough angle,” said CFCA coach Michael Breslin. “They played better than the score reflects. We got surprising results from players who were in new positions. The match also highlighted areas to work on.
“The first 20 minutes and the last 20, we played pretty well. Lost composure in the middle.”
Baseball falls
CFCA lost its baseball opener, 14-1, to Southside in six innings.
River Ennis scored to avoid a shutout.
The Eagles host Lee Christian for nonconference matchups in baseball and girls soccer on Monday.
“It easily could have been a lot closer,” said CFCA coach Marty Priebe. “They scored seven runs in the sixth. Their pitcher was good. He threw five and one-third.”
Claire Parker pitches for Cape Fear Christian on Friday.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)
Nina Sauer moves along the sideline in soccer.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)
Lexie Crumley had both of CFCA’s goals on Friday.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)
Ella John Dupree assisted on the first goal for the Lady Eagles.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)
River Ennis digs for home and CFCA’s lone run.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)
Zeke Brock delivers a pitch for CFCA in the last inning.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)
Reid Miller of the Eagles was called out on this play at the plate.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)
